UC-NRLF 


B    3    Sfll    SfiE 


msrr  \j 


A 


TAHOE: 


OR 


LIFE  IN  CALIFORNIA 


A  ROMANCE, 


BY 

s.A.:r-,:Li:nE  IB. 


ATLANTA,  GA. : 

JAS.  P.  HARRISON  &  Co.,  PUBLISHERS, 

1881. 


'  A  man  )nnst  serve  his  time  to  every  trade 
Save  censure— critics  are  ready  made." 

—BYRON. 


Talioe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  I. 

LAKE   TAHOE    AND    SIERRAN    VILLA. 

"Oh,  sweet  indeed  the  rest  upon  the  mountains, 

This  blessed  strength  from  the  eternal  hills, 
This  draught  of  life  from  the  purest  upland  fountains, 

This  sight  of  heaven  that  all  my  vision  fills  !" 

Twenty-two  miles  from  the  sage-brush  capital  of  the  Silver  State,  far 
away,  'neath  Western  skies,  in  the  crown-shaped  tops  of  the  Sierra 
Nevada  Mountains,  just  upon  the  border  line  of  California,  resting  in 
cloudless  quiet,  lies  a  lake  of  surpassing  beauty.  The  scene  is  lovely 
"beyond  compare."  The  Western  waves  of  ebbing  day,  play  upon 
the  surface  of  the  calm,  smooth,  glass-like  waters,  'till  the  eye,  tired  and 
dimmed  by  the  reflected  brightness,  is  forced  to  close  and  turn  away. 
Fairy  haunts  have  been  painted  ;  but  where  is  the  artist,  whose  skill 
ful  pencil  can  picture  this  scene  in  all  its  gorgeous  beauty — can  give 
shading  to  the  shining  tints  of  the  glistening  waters  below,  or  with  his 
brush,  paint  the  colorings  of  the  terraced  clouds  above  ?  Atmospheric 
in  clearness,  dazzling  in  brightness,  and  so  motionless  on  this  spring 
evening,  as  to  remind  one  as  he  looks  upon  the  bosom  of  the  lake,  of 
the  description  given  of  the  ice-clad  Arctic,  by  travellers  who  have  ven 
tured  far  toward  the  Northern  Pole,  and  stolen  a  glimpse  of  those  dis 
tant  regions.  But  all  ideas  of  cold,  bleak  and  desolate  lands  are  dissi 
pated,  on  glancing  up.  Here  tropical  verdure  greets  the  eye  on  every 
side,  and  the  tall  pines  of  the  forest,  contrast  strangely  with  the  low, 
richly  colored  matted  ferns  and  mosses,  that  border  the  water,  and  are 
reflected  from  its  surface.  Narcissus  could  here  have  found  a  mirror 


M294157 


4  Tahoc:  or  Life  in   California. 

worthy  of  his  image,  had  this  been  the  land  of  poesy  and  song,  instead 
of  the  hunting  ground  of  the  wild  savage  of  Western  America.  Echo, 
too,  could  here  have  found  a  voice,  the  sweetest,  to  sorrow  for  his  loss. 
Joseph  Rodman  Drake  had  no  such  scene  as  this,  to  inspire  his  "Cul 
prit  Fay,"  for  Hudson's  waters  are  not  so  bright,  nor  Hudson's  banks 
so  green.  Como  and  Geneva,  imbedded  amid  the  spring  time  flow 
erets  of  lovely  Switzerland,  surrounded  by  castle  homes,  adorned  by 
nature  and  by  art,  pale  before  Tahoe's  crystal  depths.  Italy,  with  her 
mountain  tops  of  Alpine  scenery,  near  and  distant,  and  all  aglow  with 
morning's  early  sunlight,  "that,  glancing,  quivers  among  the  firs  that 
crown  the  crags  below,"  and  her  vales  dotted  with  lakes,  like  silver 
stars  upon  green  velvet  carpetings,  offers  no  comparison.  Niagara  in 
its  power,  pouring  its  sparkling  waters  on  and  on  forever,  thundering, 
dashing,  twirling,  gurgling  and  surging,  is  grandeur ;  but  Tahoe  is 
beauty.  And  a  charm  there  is,  that  winds  itself  into  the  depths  of  the 
heart,  that  calls  up  the  deep,  abiding  spirit  of  the  past,  and  brings  new 
hopes  for  the  future.  Cold  must  be  the  heart  whose  pulses  do  not 
quicken  under  the  influence  of  a  scene  like  this.  Dead  must  he  be  to 
all  ennobling  sentiments,  who  sees  and  hears,  yet  feels  not  these  influ 
ences.  The  setting  sun,  gleaming  through  the  clear  atmosphere,  leaves 
little  to  wonder  at  in  the  old  Piute  legend,  that  the  nearest  point  of 
earth  to  the  sun  is  at  Lake  Tahoe  ;  that  this  is  also  a  sacred  place,  being 
nearest  the  happy  hunting  grounds  ;  that  it  is  better  to  die  here,  as  the 
flight  of  the  soul  is  shorter,  to  reach  its  final  home,  and  that  the  Great 
Spirit  hovers  more  particularly  over  this  sacred  place.  There  is  an 
other  belief  among  the  Indians  of  this  locality,  that  the  trout  and  sil- 
versides  that  lave  themselves  in  these  pure  waters,  each  contains  a  soul 
of  some  departed  papoose  or  squaw.  They  love  to  watch  them  shoot 
about  like  arrows,  scarce  causing  a  wave,  as  they  pass  through  the 
transparent  element ;  so  transparent  that  it  is  difficult  to  discern  the 
line  that  divides  the  water  and  air.  The  wild  canary  and  other  birds 
in  the  trees  around  the  lake-shore,  singing  the  "sweetest  songs  ear  ever 
heard,"  are  thought  to  contain  the  souls  of  their  warrior  braves  who 
have  perished  in  battle. 

"  Whose  house  is  this  ?"  And  a  man  paused  at  the  side-gate,  near  a 
handsome  villa  of  modern  architecture,  on  the  California  side  of  Lake 
Tahoe.  "  I  say,  heathen,  whose  house  is  this  ?"  he  again  reiterated,  as 
a  Chinaman  in  the  garb  of  his  nationality,  turned  enquiringly  toward 
him.  "Why  don't  you  answer  me,  you  yellow,  crooked  eyed  wretch, 
and  open  the  gate,  or  I'll  break  it  down." 

"Whosee  housee,"  said  the  Chinaman,  coming  forward,  "whosee 
housee,  say  manee — Melican — manee?"  "Yes,  you  stupid  fool,  whose 
house  is  this?" 


Ta/ioe:  or  Life  in   California.  5 

"Housee,"  repeated  the  Chinaman,  pointing  towards  the  villa. 

"Bossee  Heartee  housee.     Rich  heap,  rich  manee,  Melican  manee." 

"Where  is  his  wife  ;  is  she  at  home?"  inquired  the  man,  still  holding 
to  the  locked  gate. 

"Bossee  Heartee  wifee?  He  goee  heavenee,  he  goeeheavenee  long 
time  go,  stayee  byee  Melican  manee,  Joss — long  time  go,"  replied  the 
Chinaman,  pointing  upward. 

"Do  you  mean  the  woman  is  dead,  you  wretched  fool?"  Said  the  ex 
asperated  tramp,  and  uttering  volumes  of  oaths,  he  shook  the  gate  fu 
riously. 

"He  dedee,  he  dedee,  long  time  heap,"  said  the  Chinaman,  advanc 
ing  near  the.  gate. 

"What  is  your  name,  you  yellow  snipe?"  he  finally  asked. 

"  Me  namee  Wee  Wing,  me  namee  Wee  Wing." 

"Well,  Wee  Wing,  or  Wee  Devil,  er  Wee  what  you  please,  where  is 
the  master  of  that  establishment?" 

"Bossee  Heartee?    He  gonee,  gonee  awayee." 

"Gone  away  has  he  ?  What's  he  gone  for  ?" 

'Gonee  Frisco  with  he  chillee,  Missee  Bossee  Alice." 

"He's  got  a  child  then,  a  daughter  named  Alice,  that  he  has  gone  to 
Frisco  with  ?  How  old  is  the  daughter — is  she  pretty — is  she  a  young 
lady,  or  little  girl?  Has  he  other  children?" 

"Bossee  Missee  Alice,  prettee  youngee  ladee,  nolitteegirlee.  Bossee 
Heartee  no  more  childee." 

"By  gracious  !"  Said  the  man  in  an  under  tone,  "I  must  make  cap 
ital  of  this,"  then  raising  his  voice,  he  said,  "Wee  Wing,  who  is  here 
with  you  ?" 

"No  bodee  heree ;  Bertinee,  Griffin,  gonee  too — two  niggee,  Wee 
Wing  byee  selfee — lakee  caree  housee  tillee  Bossee  Heartee  getee 
backee,  somee  howee,  Wee  Wing  lovee  Bossee  Heartee.  Wee  Wing 
doee  bestee  for  Bossee  Heartee — cookee,  washee  heap — stayee  with 
Bossee  Heartee,  seven  yearee — lovee  Bossee  Heartee — 

"Hush  your  jargon  and  let  me  in  at  the  gate,"  said  the  man,  growing 
bolder  when  he  found  the  Chinaman  was  entirely  alone.  Wee  Wing 
trembling,  approached,  drew  a  key  from  his  pocket,  and  turning  it  in 
the  lock,  threw  the  gate  back  upon  its  hinges,  then  silently  followed  the 
ruffian,  as  he  strode  towards  the  rear  entrance  of  the  house,  where  the 
kitchen  was  situated.  There  could  scarcely  be  a  greater  contrast  than 
that  between  these  two  men.  The  first  belonged  to  that  type  of 
American,  known  as  the  tramp,  or  pe;haps  something  worse.  His 
form  was  thick  set  and  compact,  his  head  bending  forward,  rested  al 
most  upon  his  shoulders,  covered  with  a  heavy  mat  of  uncombed 


6  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

brown  hair,  that  hung  over  his  unwashed  brow,  like  a  lion's  mane, 
beneath  which  glared  two  eyes,  each  so  different  from  the  other,  that 
it  was  scarcely  possible  to  realize  that  they  both  belonged  in  the  same 
head;  one  glanced  upward  and  was  of  a  sinister  gray,  while  the  other 
looked  downward  and  outward,  and  was  of  a  fiendish  black.  His  feet, 
long  and  turning  inward,  were  covered  with  coarse,  almost  worn-out 
shoes,  above  which  might  be  seen  his  ragged  and  soiled  hose;  his 
clothes  had  assumed  that  greenish  color,  known  as  "seedy,"  and  his 
elbows  protruded  through  his  sleeves,  below  which  hung  his  hands, 
broad  as  they  were  long,  suggesting  the  idea  of  club  fists,  whenever 
he  closed  them.  The  little  finger  of  the  left  hand  was  gone,  having  been 
cut  off,  just  above  the  first  joint ;  his  gait  was  shambling,  and  as  he 
walked  on,  Wee  Wing  followed  him  and  marked  well  the  missing 
finger.  Wee  Wing,  on  the  contrary,  was  slight  in  figure  as  a  woman. 
His  national  costume  was  spotlessly  clean,  and  his  well  combed  queue 
dangled  to  his  heels,  his  white  hose  above  his  wooden-bottomed,  cloth- 
tipped  shoes,  bespoke  neatness  and  care.  A  Mongolian,  his  com 
plexion  was  of  that  color  peculiar  to  his  race.  His  head  was  shaven, 
and  his  clear  black  eyes  had  the  Chinese  slant,  but  withal,  wore  an  ex 
pression  of  honesty  which  was  not  to  be  mistaken,  though  from  fright, 
like  those  of  a  servile  class,  he  would  deviate  from  truth,  when  in  fear 
of  great  bodily  harm.  The  stranger  entered  the  kitchen  and  Wee  Wing 
close  behind  him. 

"  Mongolian,"  he  said,  turning  full  upon  the  poor  terrified,  "Child  of 
the  Sun,"  "  I  want  something  to  eat." 

"  Me  no  eatee  heree,"  said  Wee  Wing,  cowering. 

"You  lie,  sir,  you  have.  Get  me  something  to  eat  directly  or  I'll 
make  you  wish  you  had.  Do  you  hear?  instantly.  What  are  you 
grinning  at,  standing  there  as  if  you  had  not  sense  enough  to  bake 
a  biscuit  ?  I  have  traveled  far,  and  I  will  have  a  good  warm  supper 
to-night."  Frightened  Wee  Wing  flew  to  the  cupboard,  and  taking 
therefrom  a  pan  of  cold  rice  and  a  pitcher  of  tea,  set  them  upon  the 
kitchen  table,  and  placing  a  chair,  motioned  to  the  man  to  take  a  seat. 
A  flush  of  anger  passed  over  his  swarthy  face,  and  his  lips  grew  livid  ; 
he  squirmed  with  rage  and  glared  upon  the  Chinaman.  Wee  Wing 
returned  the  gaze  tremblingly,  "  Nicee  teaee,  nicee  ricee — takee  somee." 

"No,  sir !"  replied  the  other,  "  I  will  have  warm  supoer,  make  a  fire  in 
that  stove ;  bake  me  some  biscuit  and  make  me  a  pot  of  hot  coffee. 
I'll  have  none  of  your  cold  "nicee  ricee,  nicee  teaee!"  Not  that  for 
me.  Do  you  hear  ?"  And  Wee  Wing  obeyed,  with  palsied  hands 
and  unsteady  feet.  Gradually  his  fear  was  calmed,  as  the  stranger 
sat  and  watched  the  preparation  of  the  meal.  At  length  it  was  done. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  j 

"Now,"  said  he,  "show  me  the  way  to  your  master's  dining  rotfm." 
as  We  Wing  was  about  to  place  the  coffee  upon  the  kitchen  table. 
"  I  do  not  eat  in  the  kitchens  of  rich  men ;  I  am  your  master's  equal ; 
just  as  big  a  bug  as  he  ;  I  will  eat  from  his  board,  as  well  as  of  his 
bounty.  He  has  no  right  to  more  than  I  have,  and  the  day  is  coming, 
God  speed  it,  when  the  hoarded  wealth  of  these  so-called  nabobs  will 
be  equally  distributed  among  their  kind."  This  was  more  to  himself 
than  to  Wee  Wing,  who  has  busy  preparing  the  table  for  his  accom 
modation.  He  sat  down  and  ate  with  hungry  greediness,  the  food 
which  he  had  forced  WTee  Wing  to  cook,  seemingly  oblivious  to  all  his 
surroundings  for  the  time  being.  Wee  Wing  stood  in  attendance, 
his  arms  crossed  upon  his  waiter  and  eyeing  the  stranger  narrowly — 
wondering  what  he  would  be  called  upon  to  do  next,  and  praying  in 
his  secret  heart  to  his  Joss,  for  his  personal  safety  in  this  hour  of  peril. 
"  Any  milk?"  said  the  tramp,  with  only  a  glance  at  the  Chinaman.  A 
glass  was  filled.  "  Any  cheese  ?"  Wee  Wing  placed  it  before  him. 
At  length  the  meal  was  ended  and  the  chair  pushed  back. 

"  I  want  to  see  through  this  house,"  came  from  the  greasy  lips. 

"  Me  no  keyee,"  replied  Wee  Wing. 

"  Open  the  door  or  I'll  kick  them  from  their  hinges,"  was  the  stern 
rejoinder.  The  Chinaman  hastened  to  the  cupboard,  took  therefrom 
a  small  basket  of  keys,  and  followed  by  the  tramp,  passed  from  room 
to  room.  One  room  on  the  second  floor  bore  unmistakable  evidences 
of  a  woman's  occupancy — the  work  basket,  tiny  thimble,  scissors, 
pictures,  brackets  and  books.  "  Missee  Bossee  Alice,"  said  Wee  Wing, 
answering  the  enquiring  look,  and' they  passed  on. 

"  What  is  this  ?"  he  said  at  length,  -laying  his  hand  upon  a  piece 
of  furniture  in  the  library. 

"Bossee  Heartee's  deskee,"  said  the  quailing  Chinaman. 

"Open  it,"  said  the  other. 

"Me  no  keyee  ;  Bossee  Heartee  takee  keyee  awayee." 

One  glance  sufficed  to  convince  him  that  Wee  Wing  had  spoken 
truthfully  this  time.  Without  another  word  he  took  from  his  pocket 
a  small  bunch  of  skeleton  keys,  and  after  trying  two  or  three,  the  lock 
readily  yielded,  and  the  contents  of  the  desk  were  at  his  mercy.  He 
drew  up  a  chair  and  ordered  Wee  Wing  to  bring  a  light — it  was  now 
too  dark  to  see  without  one.  He  carefully  looked  over  the  papers,  se 
lecting  such  as  he  wished,  he  possessed  himself  of  a  roll  of  mining  stocks 
and  two  or  three  pieces  of  paper,  upon  which  the  owner  of  the  desk 
had  carelessly  scribbled  his  name,  then  closing  and  locking  the  desk 
again  he  proposed  to  go. 

"Any  carriage  here  ?"  he  asked. 


8  TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"Bossee  Heartee  carriage  here — no  hossee — Bossee  sendee  hossee 
awayee.  Hossee  kickce  Chinee,  hossee  no  kickee  Mellican  man.  Hos 
see  stayee,  stable  belly  welly,  Tahoe  Citee." 

"Well,  I  know  I  have  no  use  for  a  carriage  without  the  horses,  so 
I'll  walk  on.  I  wish  you  to  tell  your  master  I  enjoyed  his  hospitality 
and  will  call  again  one  of  these  days  when  he  least  expects  me.  Now 
I've  taught  you  how  to  treat  a  gentleman  ;  you  will  know  next  time,  so 
good  night,"  and  off  he  started.  Wee  Wing  followed  him  with  his 
eyes,  then  tipped  gently  to  the  fence  and  watched  him  down  the  road 
towards  town.  The  shades  of  evening  had  fallen,  and  the  full  orbed 
moon  was  in  the  sky  ;  he  turned  the  curve  in  the  road  around  the  lake 
bank,  and  Wee  Wing  slowly  retraced  his  steps. 

"Me  hopee  Melican  man's  Joss  killee  he,"  he  said  bitterly,  as  he  care 
fully  locked  the  door  behind  him.  "Me  hopee  Meiican  man's  Joss 
killee  he  in  a  strange  countree,  so  he  losee  his  soulee.  He  uglee  heep." 
Having  invoked  upon  the  head  of  this  rude  stranger  robber,  to 
his  mind,  the  worst  of  curses,  Wee  Wing  went  silently  to  work  to  put 
his  master's  house  again  in  order,  then  seeking  his  narrow  bunk, 
passed  the  night  in  fearful  dreams,  and  awoke  sighing  for  his  native 
land. 

*    *     #  ###  #**  ##* 

There  is  an  innate  love  of  country  in  the  human  breast  that  can  not 
be  eradicated.  Men  may  stray  from  the  parental  roof  in  early  boy 
hood,  but  in  after  years  the  heart  will  wander  back  to  its  sheltering 
eaves  and  long  for  the  rest  it  once  afforded.  Time  may  pass  and 
changes  come,  still,  still  the  heart  beats  for  home.  It  may  have  been 
in  cold,  bleak  northern  wastes  or  beneath  temperate  skies,  amid  bright 
flowers  and  teeming  fields,  it  may  have  been  where  the  circling  equa 
tor  lies,  beneath  a  scorching,  tropical  sun,  'tis  all  the  same  ;  human  na 
ture  will  triumph,  and  the  heart  of  man  will  respond,  be  it  of  high  or 
low  degree. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  II. 


"  How  various  are  the  inspirations 
Of  different  men,  in  different  nations  ; 
As  genius  prompts  its  good  or  evil, 
Some  call  the  muse,  some  raise  the  devil." 

GRUBBS  AND  ALDRIDGE. 

"  Why,  Grubbs,  is  it  possible  this  is  you  ?  I  have  just  received  your 
card,  and  came  round  immediately.  I  left  you  in  Baltimore  the 
veriest  vagabond.  Never  thought  to  see  you  again,  and  must  confess, 
I  hoped  I  would  not.  How  is  it  that  you  are  here  at  the  Palace  Hotel, 
in  all  this  style  ?  You  surely  must  have  struck  a  bonanza  ?  Explain 
yourself.  Why  man,  is  it  possible  ?" 

"  Yes,  it  is  possible,"  replied  the  man.  "  and  it  is  very  likely  that  you 
thought  you  were  rid  of  your  quondam  friend,  after  having  deserted 
him  as  you  did,  in  Baltimore,  and  fled  where  you  imagined  he  would 
never  find  you.  If  my  memory  deceives  me  not,  you  not  only  took 
with  you,  Mr.  Aldridge,  your  part  or  share  of  our  last  little  transaction  in 
that  city,  but  what  was  to  have  been  mine  also ;  to  relieve  me  of  what 
you  said,  might  bring  me  to  trouble.  But,  sir,  I've  followed  you,  and 
intend  to  expose  you  to  the  parties  in  whose  employ  you  are  unless 
you  do  as  I  dictate.  You  are  now,  as  I  have  informed  myself, 
cashier  of  an  important  bank  in  this  city,  and  I  wish  you  to  distinctly 
understand  that  it  remains  altogether  with  me  whether  you  keep  your 
situation  or  not." 

The  first  speaker  had  remained  standing  since  he  entered  the  room, 
a  few  moments  before.  His  face  wore,  at  first,  a  careless  expression 
of  mingled  nonchalance  and  surprise ;  but  as  the  last  words  fell  from 
the  lips  of  Grubbs,  that  expression  changed  to  one  of  hatred  and  fear. 

"  Well,"  said  he,  with  bitterness,  "  what  deviltry  now  would  you 
have  me  erp-a^e  ;,n  here  ?  I  fled  from  you,  and  have  since  sought  to 


IO  TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California. 

lead  an  honest  life.  Yet  here  you  dog  my  footsteps  again,  and  force 
me  from  the  path  of  rectitude,  from  which  I  was  first  seduced  by  you. 
You  have  ever  been  my  evil  genius." 

"That's  very  proper  stuff  to  be  coming  from  you,"  replied  Grubbs, 
"  You  live  honestly,  indeed  !  Why,  man,  you  couldn't  be  honest  if  you 
wished  it.  I  lead  you  off,  indeed  !  You  talk  like  some  old  woman  I 
have  heard  of  in  the  Eastern  States,  who  endeavored  to  train  up  her 
boys  in  the  way  she  intended  them  to  continue,  and  when  they  were 
older  and  no  longer  under  her  restraint,  they  threw  off  her  burdensome 
rulings  and  became  wild  and  desperate.  Instead  of  censuring  them,  and 
the  stock  from  which  they  sprang,  for  their  shortcomings,  she  sat  down 
and  wailed  out  a  tirade  agaiust  her  neighbor's  boys  for  misleading 
them,  and  berated  their  father  for  his  example,  when,  in  truth,  the 
neighbor's  boys  and  the  old  father,  were  the  ones  who  suffered  most. 
I'll  lend  myself  to  no  such  an  arrangement  as  that — it  is  too  womanly 
— try  something  else  with  more  reason  about  it,  Aldridge." 

The  other  stood  silent  and  thoughtful.  His  was  an  unusually  hand 
some  face,  with  acquiline  nose  and  dark  brown  eyes ;  a  head  of  dark 
blond  curly  hair,  that  fell  in  waves  around  his  high  white  brow — his 
physique  manly,  his  feet  and  hands  small  and  well  shaped,  his  move 
ments  graceful,  his  manner  courtly,  and  his  conversation  ready  and 
fluent.  His  mind  was  traveling  back  through  long,  long  years,  (for  he 
was  over  forty,  though  seemingly,  not  more  than  thirty)  to  his  child 
hood  days— he  thought  of  his  mother,  his  boyhood,  youth  and  man 
hood,  how  he  had  "  first  abhorred,  then  endured,  then  embraced  vice  ' 
in  all  its  ghastly  forms,  until  the  thoughts  almost  maddened  him.  "What 
would  you  of  me  now  ?"  he  said  fiercely  advancing,  his  eyes  gleaming 
with  ill-concealed  hatred. 

"Do  not  be  irritable  and  look  so  wild  about  it,  I'm  in  no  hurry,"  said 
Grubbs,  pointing  to  a  chair  opposite.  "  Take  a  seat  and  calm  your 
self,  I  want  nothing  of  you,  more  than  usual;  in  fact  I  want  many- 
things,  but  all  within  reason,  only  one  at  a  time,  however.  Take  a  seat 
and  we'll  have  a  chat  of  other  days,  of  days  that  are  gone,  and  then  we 
can  turn  our  attention  to  the  future,  of  days  to  come,  of  plans  and 
hopes." 

Aldridge  sank  silently  into  the  chair,  without  removing  his  eyes  from 
the  face  of  his  vis-a-vis  ,  who  arose  quickly  and  going  to  the  mantle, 
pressed  his  finger  upon  the  bell-knob,  then  resuming  his  seat,  waited 
at  few  moments  in  silence.  "Champagne  and  glasses,"  he  said  to 
the  waiter  who  appeared  at  the  door.  "Aldridge,"  continued  he,  "you 
are  working  for  a  salary,  are  you  not?" 

"I — I — am,"  stammered  Aldridge,  fearing   he  was   going   to   draw 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  1 1 

heavily  upon  him  for  funds,  "a  very  moderate  one,"  he  added  slowly. 

"Well,  after  a  while  I've  a  proposition  to  make  to  you,  which  I  think 
will  enrich  us  bothr  As  we  know  each  other,  and  have  worked  together 
before,  we  may  have  no  fears.  After  we  have  refreshed  ourselves,  I 
will  state  my  plans;  in  the  meantime,  let  us  talk  of  the  past." 

The  waiter  entered  at  this  moment  with  the  champagne  and  opening 
a  bottle  filled  the  glasses  and  retired. 

"Here's  to  success,"  said  Grubbs,  raising  his  and  giving  Aldridge  a 
familiar  wink.  The  latter  raised  his  glass  silently  to  his  lips,  drained  it 
to  the  bottom,  and  as  silently,  refilled  it. 

"Well,  tell  me,"  said  Aldridge  growing  more  talkative,  "how  you  got 
out  of  the  Baltimore  scrape?" 

"There  being,  simply,  no  proof  against  me,  I  was  discharged.  You 
know  I  had  no  money,  and  it  was  not  presumable  that  so  poor  a 
tramp  as  I,  had  taken  the  money  from  the  bank.  No  trace,  except  my 
skeleton  keys  being  found,  my  statement  concerning  them  was  credited, 
and  I  was  set  at  liberty." 

"What  statement  did  you  make  in  regard  to  them?"  asked  Aldridge 
uneasily. 

"I  told  the  officials  that  I  found  them  in  your  room,  on  the  morning 
after  your  disappearance,"  returned  the  other  slowly. 

"Then,"  said  /Vldridge,  growing  pale,  "my  name  was  openly  connec 
ted  with  the  robbery?" 

"Certainly,  and  if  you  had  not  made  good  your  escape,  my  man, 
you  would  now  have  been  the  guest  of  the  State  of  Maryland,  instead  of 
my  guest  at  the  Palace  Hotel  in  San  Francisco.  Congratulate  yourself 
on  your  good  fortune,  and  don't  look  as  if  you  were  going  to  be 
arrested  every  minute.  The  danger  is  past  and  you  are  all  right." 

"Yes,  but  oh!  the  disgrace ;  there  is  one,  upon  whose  head  it  must 
rest  heavily.  One  little  innocent  being,  who  feels  the  weight  of  shame 
I've  left  behind  me — my  disgraced  family,  my  child,  that  I  have  not 
heard  from  for  years!  Oh,  heaven,  is  there  no  palliation  for  this  deep 
and  damning  sin  ?  Cannot  penitence  wash  it  away  ?"  And  he  clasped 
his. hands  to  his  face  in  agony,  while  bitter  tears  streamed  from  his  eyes. 

"Why,  Aldridge,  I  am  surprised  that  you  should  "play  the  woman" 
in  this  style."  Gold  is  your  redemption.  Heap  golden  ducats  upon  the 
head  of  your  child,  and  the  world  will  forget  the  dishonored  father.  I 
cannot  appreciate  this  agony  of  yours,  nor  do  I  care  to.  Wife  nor 
child  have  blessed  my  lot,  and  I've  nothing  to  regret.  Gold  I  must  and 
will  have,  for  it  is  the  talisman  that  subdues  the  world.  "It  throws 
open  the  prison  gates  and  sets  the  captive  free;  it  deposes  kings  and 
exalts  beggars ;  its  mighty  influences  are  felt  and  obeyed  from  the 
President's  mansion  to  the  squatter's  hut." 


12  Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California. 

"Yes,  but  I  can  never  make  more  than  an  obscure  living  in  my  pres 
ent  situation;"  said  Aldridge,  gloomily.  "How  did  you  get  money,  for 
you  seem  to  have  plenty?"  he  added. 

"I  started  from  the  East  without  a  dollar,  and  now  I  have  some  and 
a  goodly  prospect  for  more.  I  worked  my  way  to  Carson  City,  Nevada 
as  brakesman  upon  the  road,  stopping  occasionally  on  the  route  at 
small  towns,  where  my  keys  served  me  to  good  purpose.  At  Hum- 
bold,  Nevada,  I  found  a  purse  on  the  seat  in  one  of  the  palace  cars,  as 
I  was  passing  through  it.  I  was  taken  suddenly  sick,  you  know,  and 
was  discharged  without  delay.  The  train  went  on,  and  the  purse  was 
duly  advertised,  but  of  course  I  could  not  return  it.  I  had  found  it  and 
as  a  matter  of  course  it  was  mine.  It  contained  fifty  dollars  and  some 
trinkets  ;  the  latter  I  threw  away  to  prevent  any  trouble  in  the  future. 
At  Carson,  a  few  games  of  draw  relieved  me  of  most  of  my  money, 
and  I  concluded  to  go  on ;  fortunately  I  occupied  a  seat  beside  the 
stage  driver,  Hank  Monk,  for  Glenbrook ;  I  paid  the  jolly  fellow  and 
we  set  out  on  our  journey.  When  we  reached  Lake  Tahoe,  his  purse 
was  gone  ;  he  searched  his  pockets  well.  The  honest  fellow  thought 
he  had  carelessly  lost  it,  never  suspecting  for  a  moment,  that  he  had 
been  deprived  of  it  by  foul  means  ;  if  he  had  a  Chinaman  was  conve 
niently  at  hand  to  accuse  of  the  theft.  I  took  the  lake  boat  and  started 
for  Tahoe  City,  but  feigning  to  have  no  money,  was  soon  put  ashore. 
I  then  made  my  way  on  foot  to  Tahoe  City.  On  my  way  I  stopped 
about  sundown  at  an  elegant  villa,  near  the  city.  There  was  no  one 
there  but  a  Chinaman,  and  I  made  the  heathen  get  me  a  good  supper.  He 
said  the  place  belonged  to  an  American  gentleman  of  wealth,  who  had 
gone  travelling  with  his  daughter,  and  left  him  to  take*  charge  of  his 
house  daring  his  absence.  Here  in/  keys  rendered  me  good  service 
again.  I  got  a  quantity  of  mining  stocks  and  two  blank  pieces  of  pa 
per,  with  his  signature  upon  them  ;  these  I  expect  to  use  so  soon  as  1 
find  where  he  deposits." 

"Do  you  remember  the  name  ?"  asked  Aldridge. 

"Yes,  but  I  cannot  tell  you  everything  just  now,  but  I  have  the  papers; 
of  them  we  will  presently  speak.  While  at  Tahoe,  I  played  cards  more 
successfully,  won  some  more  money  and  stock,  came  here  and  got  me 
a  suit  of  new  clothes  and  put  up  where  you  find  me." 

"You  have  traveled  then  to  good  purpose  ?" 

"Very  good ;  I  have  money  sufficient  to  pay  expenses  until  some 
thing  else  turns  up." 

"There  is  nothing  like  art  in  travelling." 

"Nothing ;  it  improves  a  smart  man,  and  certainly  helps  a  dunce 
wonderfully.  I  am  not  given  to  quoting  poetry,  but  in  this  connec 
tion  Pope's  lines  come  up  before  me  : 


Tali  c:  or  Life  in  California.  ij 

'How  much  the  dunce  who's  been  to  Rome, 
Excels  the  dunce  who  stayed  at  home.'  " 

"Well,"  said  Aldridge,  rising,  "I  must  go  for  I  am  needed  at  the  bank. 
When  can  I  see  you  again?" 

"I  am  sorry  you  have  not  time  now  for  our  plans,  but  call  around 
again  to-night  after  tea,  and  we  can  have  a  quiet  talk,  and  fix  up  ev 
erything  ;  1  will  await  you  at  eight." 

"At  eight  o'clock,  then.     Good  morning." 

"Good  morning,"  and  the  door  closed  between  them.  Grubbs  walked 
up  to  the  mirror.  "I  wish  I  could  carry  my  plans  into  execution 
alone,  but  this  ungainly  figure,  and  these  dastardly  eyes,  make  it  sim 
ply  impossible.  Aldridge's  handsome  face  and  courtly  address,  will 
have  to  aid  in  this,  for  I  will  not  only  enjoy  Phillip  Heartland's  earn 
ings,  but  make  him  repent  in  sack  cloth  and  ashes,  the  doings  of  his 
youth."  He  emptied  another  bottle  of  champagne,  stretching  himself 
upon  a  lounge,  and  was  soon  asleep,  if  "drunken  thunder"  can  be 
called  sleep. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER   III. 


"Who  shall  judge  man  by  his  manners  ? 

Who  shall  know  him  by  his  dress  ? 
Paupers  may  be  fit  for  princes, 

Princes  fit  for  sorcething  less." 

At  the  appointed  hour  the  two  men  were  again  together.  "Close 
the  door  securely,"  said  Grubbs.  Aldridge  cast  a  frightened  look 
around  the  room,  as  much  as  to  say,  "I  would  rather  not  be  alone  with 
this  man  ;"  he  said  nothing  however,  but  locked  the  door  and  took  the 
seat  designated  for  him. 

"You  know,"  said  Grubbs,  "that  I  have  often  spoken  to  you,  in  days 
gone  by,  of  a  schoolmate  of  mine,  the  fellow  who  always  excelled  me 
at  school  when  we  were  boys  together  in  our  early  days,  in  Virginia ; 
who  watch  *d  me,  and  when  I  wanted  to  thrash  a  younger  boy,  always 
stepped  in  and  took  his  part ;  in  fact,  defeated  every  plan  hatched  in 
my  brain,  looked  with  contempt  upon  my  birth  and  family,  without 
knowing  anything  of  them,  suspected  me  of  everything  low  and 
mean,  and  never  let  one  opportunity  pass  to  show  his  disgust  for  the 
poor,  creeping  reptile,  familiarly  know  among  the  boys  as  'Lying  Tom 
Linton.'  " 

"Of  aristocratic  family,  exceedingly  handsome  in  person,  the  master 
of  an  adequate  fortune,  the  possessor  of  a  splendid  mind,  he  felt  his 
superiority,  and  made  others  respect  him,  while  I  was  but  a  pensioner 
upon  the  bounty  of  another.  We  grew  to  manhood.  I  hated  him,  only  as 
a  man  such  as  I,  embittered  by  every  earthly  misfortune,  can  hate.  He 
studied  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  soon  made  rapid  strides 
towards  a  brilliant  career,  while  I  became  the  poor,  degraded  keeper 
of  a  grog-shop.  A  crime  was  committed  in  the  neighborhood,  an  old 
man,  who,  it  was  reported,  had  heaps  of  gold  hoarded  away,  was  mur 
dered  in  his  bed.  A  thousand  human  hounds  thirsting  for  blood  were 


TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California.  15 

immediately  upon  the  track.  I  was  suspected  and  arrested,  and  this 
man  volunteered  his  services  for  the  prosecution.  Surrounded  by 
prison  bars,  my  thoughts  were  maddening.  I  knew  conviction,  with 
the  superabundant  evidence  against  me,  was  certain.  I  knew  the  ability 
of  the  prosecutor,  and  was  convinced  my  case  would  bring  forth  all 
his  mental  powers.  In  my  sleeping  moments,  I  struggled  with  the 
hangman's  noose,  and  on  one  occasion,  goaded  almost  to  desperation 
with  these  harrowing  thoughts,  I  rushed  wildly  against  the  barred  "Win 
dow  ;  to  my  surprise,  one  of  the  bars  gave  way  and  I  bounded  into 
the  street  below.  A  fellow  prisoner  had  filed  it  for  his  own  escape, 
and  he  lost  no  time  in  following  me.  Not  discovering  his  companionship 
I  left  him  to  take  care  of  himself,  and  thought  only  of  my  own  safety. 
I  wanted  to  reach  some  large  city  and  secrete  myself,  until  all  excite 
ment  should  die  away.  This  I  knew  I  could  do  among  that  class  who 
were  as  deeply  dyed  with  crime  as  myself.  There  is  a  fellow  feeling, 
you  know,  a  tie  that  binds  them  not  for  any  good,  but  to  insure  their 
safety  against  the  mighty  arm  of  the  law.  It  was  already  past  the  mid 
night  hour,  yet  I  saw  a  light  shining  from  a  window;  I  carefully  worked 
my  way  to  it  and  glanced  in.  There  sat  my  dreaded  prosecutor  writ 
ing  at  a  table  ;  I  stood  for  some  time  and  watched  him  ;  the  light  shone 
out  full  and  clear  upon  his  manly  face.  His  expression  was  grave  and 
earnest,  followed  by  one  ot  unmistakeable  sarcasm  ;  then  deep,  heart 
felt  indignation  was  expressed  more  thoroughly  than  words  could 
describe.  I  felt  that  he  was  studying  my  case.  I  watched  him  as  he 
turned  the  leaves  of  first  one  book  then  another,  hunting  up  his  law 
points.  My  hatred  grew  in  intensity  until  it  seemed  without  bounds, 
and  I  resolved  to  add  one  more  crime  to  my  list,  dig  up  my  buried  and  ill- 
gotien  gold  and  make  good  my  escape.  I  remained  as  still  as  possible 
until  he  had  finished  his  labors,  prepared  himself  for  his  bed,  and  extin 
guished  the  light.  His  regular  and  sonorous  breathing  soon  notified  me 
that  he  was  asleep.  I  opened  the  shutter  gently  and  hoisted  the  win 
dow  ;  a  flood  of  moonlight  streamed  upon  the  sleeper's  face.  He  stirred, 
it  was  but  momentary,  and  he  composed  himself  to  sleep  again.  I 
climbed  in  and  creeping  softly  toward  the  bed,  seized  a  chair  and  dealt 
what  I  intended  for  a  stunning  blow.  The  round  of  the  chair  caught 
upon  the  upright  piece  of  the  bedstead.  I  missed  my  aim,  and  the  jar 
and  the  crash  awakened  the  sleeper.  He  sprang  upon  me  like  a  beast 
of  prey ;  I  threw  him  off  and  bounded  to  the  window  ;  he  seized  the 
shovel  at  the  fire-place  and  struck  furiously  at  me  as  I  was  leaping 
out ;  my  hand  was  resting  upon  the  sill,  as  the  blow  came  down  my 
little  finger  was  severed,  and  in  agony  and  fright  I  made  my  escape.  In 
the  distance  I  heard  the  alarm,  trampling  feet  of  pursuers  and  screams 


16  Tahoe:  or  Lijc  in  California. 

of  women.  Pursuit  was  vain.  I  arrived  safely  in  Baltimore  and  found 
an  account  of  the  whple  transaction  in  the  morning  papers.  My  break 
ing  jail ;  the  attempt  upon  the  life  of  the  prosecuting  attorney  and  my 
flight,  leaving  behind  my  finger  which  was  to  be  preserved  in  alcohol, 
for  future  evidence.  In  that  city,  I  plied  my  vocation  for  many  years  5 
it  was  there  I  met  you  ;  you  know  the  rest/' 

"  Well,"  said  Aldridge,  "  I  am  waiting  patiently  for  your  plans.  What 
has  all  this  to  do  with  our  future  ?" 

'•  A  great  deal ;  that  man  lives  now  in  this  State,  yes,  here  in  Cali 
fornia.  He  has  grown  immensely  rich  and  I  intend  to  enjoy  some  of 
his  earnings.  He  married  the  lady  of  his  choice,  the  only  woman  I 
ever  loved,  and  came  out  to  the  Golden  State.  It  was  his  house  I 
stopped  at,  on  Lake  Tahoe.  I  learned  then  that  his  wife  had  been 
dead  for  many  years ;  that  he  had  a  daughter,  an  only  child — a  beau 
tiful  girl,  it  is  said." 

"  Well,"  said  Aldridge. 

"  Well,  what  do  you  mean  by  well?  I  want  you  to  play  the  agree 
able  to  this  girl  and  marry  her." 

"  Marry  her  ?     Marry  her?     Great  heavens  ?" 

'•Yes,"  retorted  Grubbs,  rising  to  his  feet,  "  marry  her,  you  can  do 
it ;  you  are  young,  handsome  and  have  winning  manners ;  now  put 
them  to  some  use." 

Aldridge  sat  silently  thinking  for  a  time,  then  asked.  "Who  is 
this  man?  What's  his  name?" 

"Phillip  Heartland,"  returned  the  other. 

"Phillip  Heartland?"  re-echoed  Aldridge  in  a  startled  tone,  "Phillip 
Heartland?" 

"Yes,  Phillip  Heartland.  What's  the  matter  now?  Did  you  ever 
know  him?" 

"No,  no,  I  never  knew  him,"  replied  Aldridge  with  ill-concealed 
emotion. 

Grubbs  marked  the  trembling  utterance  and  averted  eyes,  but  ques 
tioned  no  further.  He  went  to  the  bureau  and  taking  up  a  small 
valise,  said,  "  You  must  find  out  where  Phillip  Heartland  deposits,  for 
I  want  to  draw  for  a  small  amount."  He  took  the  two  pieces  of  paper 
from  the  valise  and  handed  them  to  Aldridge.  The  name,  Phillip 
Heartland,  was  written  in  a  plain,  bold  chirography  upon  each.  "It  is 
his  signature,"  thought  Aldridge,  as  he  looked  at  them. 

"I  want  to  fill  them  out,"  said  the  other,  as  soon  as  I  find  out  where 
his  bank  account  is  kept.  But  we  must  not  overdraw,  therefore  it  will 
be  necessary  for  us  to  know  something  as  to  the  extent  of  his  means. 
I  will  trust  to  you  to  find  out  these  things.  "  And  they  separated  to 
meet  again  the  next  night. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  17 

"A  man  in  any  situation  has  no  business  with  a  conscience  or  a 
heart,"  murmured  Aldridge,  as  he  found  his  way  to  his  lodgings,  "and 
I  must  and  will  still  mine." 

On  his  way  he  had  stopped  for  his  mail.  On  reaching  his  room  he 
struck  a  match  and  lighted  the  gas.  One  letter  was  post-marked 
Baltimore ;  he  tore  it  open,  his  eyes  rested  on  the  contents  for  a  mo 
ment,  and  he  sank  senseless  to  the  floor.  When  he  revived,  it  was 
morning,  and  the  sun's  cheerful  rays  were  streaming  in  through  the 
open  window.  He  arose,  weak  and  troubled  in  mind,  and  without 
making  a  fresh  toilet,  or  awaiting  his  breakfast,  he  went  directly  to  the 
bank,  and  silently  resumed  his  duties. 


1 8  Tahoc:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


AUGUSTA  HUBBLESTUBBLE  S    SOLILOQUY. 

"Nay,  let  me  dream  upon  the  heights  no  longer: 
I      Round  purer  hearts  I  wrap  my  pilgrim  dress; 
In  purer  hands  my  trembling  staff  grows  stronger; 
My  face  is  set  toward  the  'wide  spread  West.'  " 

"I  was  born  for  something  more  than  a  garret,  and  a  knowledge  of 
this  fact  determines  me  to  give  up  this  miserable  situation,  as  teacher, 
in  the  public  school  of  this  gossipy  New  England  village.  I  have  oc 
cupied  this  position  for  years,  and  what  good  has  it  done  me?  It  has 
annoyed  and  fretted  me,  until  I  have  no  nervous  vitality  left.  'The 
cold  in  clime,  the  cold  in  heart, 'is  an  old  saying,  but  it  is  'ower  true,' 
as  most  old  sayings  always  are.  Yes,  this  cold  climate  is  ruining  my 
lungs,  as  these  cold,  selfish  hearts  around  me,  are  freezing  the  very  life 
within  me.  I  cannot,  I  will  not  stand  it  longer.  This  ungrateful  com 
munity,  these  unappreciative  people.  They  do  not  know  an  intelligent 
woman  from  any  other  sort.  I  do  not  know  that  I  should  censure  them, 
but  I  feel  the  neglect  no  less  on  that  account.  And  again  I  say,  I  will 
not  remain  among  them — on  such  a  salary,  too — the  mere  pittance  of 
a  salary;  they  ought  to  be  ashamed  to  offer  it  to  me,  but  the  men  in 
this  country  are  so  narrow  minded,  so  contracted  in  their  ideas — there 
is  not  one  of  them  fit  for  a  woman  to  marry,  even  if  she  desired  to 
marry — not  one  for  whom  Augusta  Hubblestubble  would  give  up  her 
honest  name,  in  order  to  wear  his,  for  her  name  has  always  been  an 
honored  one.  Her  father  was  a  gentleman,  and  her  mother  a  lady; 
very  few,  very  few,  can  say  that  much,  but  Augusta  Hubblestubble 
can  say  it,  and  say  it  truthfully.  Her  little  blue  velvet  recticule  con 
tains  many  evidences  of  the  gentility  of  her  family;  then,  is  it  to  be 
supposed  for  an  instant,  that  she  would  think  of  changing  the  honored 


la  hoc:  or  Life  in  California.  19 

and  venerated  name,  for  one  of  the  plebian,  common  cognomens,  the 
very  sound  of  which  is  revolting  to  her?  No,  not  she.  But  that  salary! 
It  affords  me  only  means  for  a  garret  lodging,  in  a  second  rate  board 
ing  house,  the  plainest  of  clothing  and  coarsest  of  food.  I  have  made 
up  my  mind  what  course  to  pursue. 

"I  have  always  wished  to  move  South,  but  the  opportunity  of  doing 
so  has  never  presented  itself.  The  demand  in  that  section  for  North 
ern  teachers  and  governesses  was  once  great.  I  was  on  one  occasion 
offered  a  situation  as  governess  in  the  family  of  a  Southern  lady, 
but  not  wishing  to  come  under  the  surveillance  of  a  woman,  (nature's 
tyrant)  I  did  not  accept  the  offer.  I  had  no  desire  to  enslave  myself 
for  a  few  dollars  and  cents  ;  for  that  position,  in  the  Gulf  States  at 
least,  is  near  akin  to  genuine  slavery.  Their  overweening,  aristocratic 
ideas  antagonize  the  poor  instinctively,  and  I  will,  under  no  circum 
stances,  accept  a  subordinate  place  where  a  woman  rules.  Take  care 
of  the  children  indeed,  while  my  mistress  occupies  herself  with  all  the 
frivolities  of  social  life  ;  it's  petty  tyranies  and  its  empty  gossip — never. 
I  have  never  been  able  to  indulge  the  extravagances  of  dress,  it  is  true, 
since  I  have  never  bartered  in  human  flesh  and  blood,  but  in  my  plain 
black  silk,  and  green  Canton  shawl,  set  off  by  my  handsome  face  and 
figure,  I  present  an  appearance  I  fancy,  that  would  put  to  blush  many 
of  the  noted  Southland's  fairest  daughters."  (Here  Miss  Augusta  rais 
ed  her  tall,  gaunt  form  to  its  fullest  height,  and  proudly  confronted  the 
mirror.  She  gazed  at  the  reflection  of  her  small,  blue  eyes  and  tawny 
hair,  bony  frame  and  sallow  complexion,  and  continued  her  soliloquy.) 
"There  is  style  about  Augusta  Hubblestubble  yet,  but  how  this  glass 
distorts  nature  and  renders  even  beauty  hideous  !  It  squints  the  eye, 
wrinkles  the  face,  and  reflects  my  golden,  wavy  hair  in  a  semblance 
at  once  of  something  yellow,  dry  and  rough,  and  oh,  heavens  !  what  a 
long,  lean  and  hungry  look  it  gives  me  !  I'll  none  of  it,"  and  in  an 
instant  the  glass  was  shattered  into  fragments  and  lay  a  wreck  upon 
the  floor.  One  moment  more,  her  landlady,  startled  by  the  crash,  rap 
ped  loudly  at  the  door,  and  not  waiting  the  accustomed  "come  in," 
threw  it  wide  and  stalked  into  the  room.  She  paused,  looking  first  at 
Miss  Augusta's  hard  face  and  then  at  the  fragments  of  her  favorite 
mirror. 

"How  did  this  happen  ?"  she  finally  said. 

"In  trying  to  adjust  it  so  that  I  might  see  better,"  replied  Miss  Au 
gusta,  "it  slipped  from  my  hands  to  the  floor  and  was  shattered  as  you 
see.  I  am  sure,  ma'am,  it  could  not  have  been  securely  hung.  I  re 
gret  the  accident  exceedingly,  and,  poor  as  I  am,  will  replace  it  if  you 
wish." 


2O  Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California. 

"By  no  means,"  said  the  landlady  ;  "it  was  accidental,  and  I  would 
not  ask  it  of  you.  You  have  remained  in  your  room  too  closely  of  late; 
will  you  not  join  us  in  the  parlor  this  evening  ?  Think  no  more  of  the 
broken  glass  ;  I  will  send  a  servant  to  remove  the  fragments,  and  shall 
expect  the  pleasure  of  your  company  this  evening;"  and  the  goodheart- 
ed,  chubby  little  landlady's  retreating  footsteps  were  heard  upon  the 
stairs. 

"How  easily  some  people  are  gulled — particularly  that  low  class  of 
people.     It  is  said  'where  ignorance  is  bliss,  it  is  folly  to  be  wise  ;'  in 
this  case  it  is  literally  true,  for  I  do  not  know  of  a  more  ignorant  creat 
ure,  and  she  seems  perfectly  happy  in  her  stupidity.     I  had  no  idea  of 
paying  for  that  miserable  old  looking-glass.     It  deserves   its  fate   for 
having  disfigured  me-    I  do  not  regret  it,  though  I  told  her  I  did,  and 
silly,  stupid  creature,  she  believed  me.     I  would  do  it  again  if  it  were 
to  do  over.     I  owe  her  no  thanks,  either,  for  bursting  into  my  room  in 
that  style.    Some  people  are  so  ill-bred.     Why  could  she  not  wait  until 
I  told  her  to  come  in  ?     No,  she  must  blunder  into  my  private  cham 
ber  before  I  could  get  a  tale  fixed  up  about  the  old  glass.     She  is  just 
like  some  others  I  know ;  all  curiosity  and  unable  to  control  it ;  she 
must  have  a  finger  in  every  pie  ;  that  reminds  me  of  those  stubby  fing 
ers  of  hers  ;  it  is  a  sure  sign  of  low  blood.     No  aristocracy,  unless  it 
be  the  frazelled  end  of  Viiginia  aristocracy,  ever  had  such  hands  as 
hers ;  no  shape  to  them,  the  fingers  are  stuck  on  like  so  many  pegs — 
not  like  mine,"  ^and  she  stretched  her  long,  sinewy  hand  upon  her 
knee,)  "graceful,  tapering,  at  the  same  time  showing  evidence  of  not 
being  worthless.     For  my  part  I  cannot  see  how  any  sensible  man  can 
think  for  a  moment  of  marrying  one  of  those  useless  Southern  women, 
who  knows  nothing  but  to  eat,  sleep  and  be  waited  upon.  It  is  a  great 
pity  for  that  part  of  the  United  States  that  slavery  ever  existed.     The 
day  is  coming  though,  when  Augusta  Hubblestubble  will  be  as  good 
as  any  Virginia  or  Carolina  damsel.     It  is  a  long  lane  that  has  no  turn, 
and  my  turn  is  near  at  hand.     Then  I  will  go  to  this  Southern  land, 
among  this  proud  people,  and  purchase  carriages,  horses  and  estates. 
But  Augusta,  how  are  you  to  do  this  ?     I  will  tell  you ;  I  am  going  to 
reply  to  the  advertisement  of  this  Californian  ;  the  widower  who  wishes 
a  companion    for   his  daughter.      Let   me    read  the   advertisement 
again,    "A  gentleman  living  in  a  retired  part  of  the  country,  near  Lake 
Tahoe,  California,  desires  an  intelligent  teacher  and  companion  for  his 
grown-up  daughter.     Having  no  mother,  the  young  lady  would  prefer 
an  elderly  person.     Address  Phillip  Heartland,  Tahoe  City,  California. 
References  exchanged.'     Can    I  give  them  ?     I  fear  not   satisfactory 
ones.     I  have  a  diploma  signed  by  the  corps  of  teachers  of  Upshaw 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  21 

High  School,  where  I  graduated,  but  I  do  not  like  to  show  this  on  ac 
count  of  its  date.  I  know  one  minister  here  will  give  me  a  recommen 
dation,  and  relying  upon  that,  I  will  write  to  Col.  Heartland ;  I  know 
he  is  a  Colonel,  all  Western  men  are  ;  they  are  all  rich,  too,  aristocratic 
ln  their  views,  that  is,  those  of  wealth,  the  land  owner  I  mean,  not  the 
common  people.  With  all  this  I  am  told  they  are  remarkably  kind  to 
poor  people,  and  considerate  of  them,  provided  they  are  intelligent, 
worthy  ones.  This  is  the  place  for  me,  and  Augusta  Hubblestubble 
is  not  the  woman  I  take  her  for  if  she  fails  to  secure  it.  This  gentle 
man,  away  over  in  the  mountains  of  California,  wishes  a  companion 
for  his  daughter  ;  he  is  wealthy,  of  course  he  is,  or  how  could  he  afford 
a  companion  for  his  daughter  ?  Yes,  of  course  he  is  rich,  and  a  wid 
ower,  too.  Augusta  Hubblestubble,  your  fortune  is  made,  if  it  is  not 
it  is  your  own  fault.  Go  down  and  spend  the  evening  with  a  board 
ing-house  keeper  indeed  !  I'll  set  her  up  for  that ;  how  dared  she  ask 
me  to  do  such  a  thing  ?  A  woman  of  her  class  to  invite  me  to  com? 
to  her  parlor ;  I  will  teach  her  better.  Augusta  Hubblestubble,  'ere 
long  you  will  get  your  dues  ;  you  will  have  command  of  the  proceeds 
of  Western  ranches,  and  California  gold  mines,  while  at  your  side  will 
walk  a  handsome,  manly  form,  whose  honored  name  you  will  bear.  I 
will  leave — (now  here  is  that  abominable  servant  with  dust  pan  and 
brush  to  clean  away  the  glass.  That  woman  has  a  mania  for  cleaning 
things  ;  it  is  clean,  clean,  clean,  from  Monday  morning  until  Saturday 
night.  I  would  let  things  go  dirty  once  and  awhile  if  I  were  in  her 
place,  and  cultivate  my  mind  a  little  more  ;  but  some  people  have  no 
intellectuality,  not  the  slightest) — as  I  was  going  to  say  when  my  rev 
erie  was  interrupted  (I  hope  it  will  not  be  again)  I  will  leave  this  catch 
penny  New  England  village  and  go  to  the  glorious  West ;  to  Califor 
nia,  the  land  of  warm  hearts  and  generous  affections,  the  brightest  star 
in  the  Western  sky.  This  land  reposing  in  golden  beauty,  in  the  lap 
of  the  setting  sun,  beckons  me  to  her  favored  shores,  where  penurious- 
ness  is  unknown,  and  men  are  great,  good  and  noble.  I  want  to  get 
away  from  women  ;  there  are  so  many  here,  and  they  are  so  full  of 
prying  curiosity  ;  now,  that  chubby,  bullet-headed  minx  down  stairs;  I 
would  not  be  at  all  suprised  if  she  had  a  false  key  to  my  room,  and  comes 
here,  while  I  am  gone,  to  see  if  she  can  find  and  read  my  love  letters, 
or  to  examine  the  contents  of  my  precious  blue  velvet  reticule  ;  I  wish 
I  could  catch  her  blunt  fingers  upon  it ;  no,  I  don't,  for  she  would  go 
maimed  the  rest  of  her  life.  As  I  said,  I  wish  to  get  away  from  wo 
men.  They  say  there  are  but  few  in  that  consequently  delightful  land 
and  those  who  are  there  are  already  provided  with  husbands,  and  have 
something  more  to  do  than  to  be  backbiting  their  neighbors  all  the 


22  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

time.  See  how  the  women  of  this  village  talked  recently  because  the 
new  minister  was  a  widower,  and  a  certain  teacher  in  town  sent  him  a 
geranium  leaf  and  some  violets ;  there  was  no  harm  in  it,  but  some 
lynx-eyed,  curious  women  found  it  out,  (of  course  he  did  not  tell  it, 
his  sense  of  honor  was  too  high  for  that,)  and  it  was  the  village  sensa 
tion  until  the  silly  old  fellow  went  away  and  brought  home  that  weazen 
faced  chit  of  sixteen  as  his  wife.  I  knew  when  he  came  here  he  was 
engaged  ;  I  was  the  first  person  in  town  who  suspected  it.  What  if  I 
did  join  the  church  soon  after  that  drawling  creature  succeeded  to  the 
pulpit?  was  I  to  remain  a  sinner  always  because  the  preacher  happen 
ed  to  be  a  widower  ?  Absurd,  perfectly  absurd.  I  felt  like  joining, 
and  I  had  the  independence  to  do  it.  It  was  entirely  a  matter  of  con 
science  with  me.  He  certainly  never  could  have  been  an  inducement 
for  me,  or  any  one  else,  to  join  ;  any  person  of  judgment  and  good 
sense  could  see  that.  To  be  talked  about  is  what  I  expected,  and  my 
anticipations  were  fully  realized,  I  did  not  care ;  I  knew  it  was  right, 
and  I  did  it.  Gossiping  is  one  of  the  necessary  evils  appertaining  to 
village  life.  1  have  felt  it  often,  but  I  will  not  be  exposed  to  it  much 
longer.  A  scandal  is  another  village  evil ;  once  fan  it  into  life  it  never 
dies,  never  wears  out,  never  ends  ;  like  a  canker-worm  it  eats  the  soul 
away ;  it  is  an  inheritance,  a  safe  and  sure  one.  If  there  should  be  any 
danger  of  its  ever  being  forgotten,  the  old  dames  gather  the  grand 
children  around  their  knees  and  make  them  familiar  with  their  tradi 
tionary  love ;  they  repeat  and  repeat  until  the  dullest  brain  is  thor 
oughly  innoculated  with  the  venomous  slime.  Women,  village  wo 
men,  are  despisable.  Their  best  days  of  life  are  spent  in  the  aspersion 
of  their  sex.  They  despise  each  other,  and  very  justly,  too,  for  they 
know  each  other.  I  do  not  know  of  any  of  God's  creatures  so  worthy 
of  contempt,  pity  and  hatred.  Lord  Montague  is  said  to  have  remark  - 
ed  on  one  occasion  :  'I  would  not  be  a  woman,  for  then  I  could  not 
love  her.'  Sensible  man,  without  knowing  how  sensible  he  was.  It 
was  fortunate  for  him  that  he  was  not,  for  he  would  have  been  sure  to 
appreciate  her  only  at  her  real  value  ;  how  could  he  do  otherwise  ?  I 
ask  all  of  my  sex,  how  could  he  ?  It  would  have  been  as  impossible  as 
for  this  revolving  sphere  to  cease  its  motion.  He  is  not  the  only  man 
I  can  call  to  mind  who  would  not  have  been  a  woman.  The  difficulty 
to  find  one  who  would  is  by  far  the  greater  task.  They  have  good,  suf 
ficient  reason  for  this  anti-woman  sentiment.  I  am  sorry  to  admit  it, 
but  why  should  I  be  sorry  ?  Other  women  are  not.  I  think  Lady 
Montague's  observation  far  more  correct,  she  said,  'I  would  not  be  a 
man  for  then  I  should  have  to  marry  a  woman."  That  is  the  main  and 
only  reason  that  Augusta  Hubblestubble  would  not  like  to  be  a  man. 


TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California.  23 

A  woman  often  wishes  she  could  change  her  sex,  but  under  no  circum 
stances  would  a  man  be  otherwise  than  a  man.  But  stop,  I  am  too 
fast ;  is  there  not  one  case  on  record  ?  I  have  a  dim  recollection  of 
having  heard  of  an  occurrence  during  the  war  that  caused  a  poor  feb 
low  to  regret  that  he  was  not  a  female.  Let  me  search  my  memory 
and  see  if  I  can  recollect  it.  Yes.  During  a  battle  somewhere,  I  don't 
remember  exactly  where,  a  young  soldier  was  seen  by  his  commander 
running  from  the  battle-field,  weeping  most  piteously  as  he  ran  ;  he 
was  hailed  by  his  officer,  who  asked  him  why  he  cried  like  a  baby.  'I 
wish  I  was  a  baby,'  sobbed  the  seemingly  heartbroken  man,  -and  a.  gal 
baby  at  that.'  This  is  the  only  instance  that  has  ever  come  to  my 
knowledge  where  a  man  was  willing  to  exchange  his  manhood  for  fem 
ininity,  and  then  half  crazed  and  frightened  almost  to  death,  he  wish 
ed  to  be  as  small  a  female  as  possible.  The  idea  is  abhorrent  to 
their  very  natures.  What  man  does  not  remember  the  pride  he  expe 
rienced  on  laying  aside  his  girl-like  frocks  and  donning  male  attire  ? 
It  is  an  event  in  life,  the  evening  of  which  time  can  never  obliterate. 
And  the  first  pair  of  boots,  where  is  the  man  who  does  not  remember 
them,  and  with  what  feelings  ?  In  fact,  anything  that  distinguished 
him  from  the  female  of  his  kind,  is  fondly  linked  in  his  boyish  memory 
with  all  that  is  good  and  great.  Now  why  this  abhorrence  of  our  sex  ? 
Because  nature  teaches  that  we  are  the  inferior  portion  of  crea 
tion  ;  that  we  are  below  man  ;  in  other  words,  that  it -is  a  little,  mean 
thing  to  be  a  woman.  Her  kind  is  cursed,  and  she  must  bear  the  curse. 
Women  do  and  say  so  many  little,  mean,  selfish  things  that  they  become 
ashamed  of  themselves  and  desire  to  change  their  names,  that  their 
identity  may  be  lost  in  the  love  and  being  of  man ;  and  that  is  what 
Augusta  Hubblestubble  intends  to  do ;  she  intends  answering  the  ad 
vertisement  of  this  Col.  Heartland,  and  if,  in  six  months,  she  is  not  his 
companion  instead  of  that  of  his  daughter,  it  will  be  no  fault  of  hers. 
To  be  sure,  I  joined  the  church,  but  what  of  that?  More  church  mem 
bers  than  myself  maneuver  for  husbands.  If  the  maneuverers  were 
left  out  there  would  be  no  women  in  the  church,  and  it  would  be  al 
most  as  good  as  a  Masonic  lodge.  I  joined  the  church  under  peculiar 
circumstances,  and  would  have  been  more  closely  allied  to  it  than  I 
am,  if  it  had  not  been  for  some  of  the  women  of  the  village,  whose 
tongues  inherited  longevity,  and  whose  privilege  for  wagging  them  is 
wholly  unrestrained.  It  needs  no  microscope  of  'double  extra'  power 
to  make  that  discovery.  That  is  all  in  the  past ;  Augusta  Hubble 
stubble  must  look  to  the  future,  and  she  will  do  it,  at  all  hazards.  The 
end  justifies  the  means ;  she  will  make  arrangements  for  this  life  first, 
and  then  look  to  eternity  afterwards.  But  here  I  am  musing  and  mus- 


24  Tahoc:  or  Life  in  California. 

ing  and  losing  time,  when  I  ought  to  send  my  letter  by  the  first  mail, 
some  other  sly  woman  may  get  in  ahead  of  me  and  occupy  this  cove 
ted  place,  so  here  goes  immediately : 

COL.  HEARTLAND — Sir :  Having  read  your  advertisement,  I  think 
I  can  fill  the  place  to  your  satisfaction.  I  am  a  graduate  of  Upshaw 
High  School  which,  you  know,  is  considered  among  the  best  in  the 
United  States.  As  to  references,  I  can  give  you  as  satisfactory  ones 
as  any  one  in  New  England.  Hoping  your  answer  may  be  favorable, 
I  remain,  most  respectfully, 

Miss  AUGUSTA  HUBBLESTUBBLE 
Box  No .  40.  Belle  Meade,  Vermont. 

To  COL.  PHILLIP  HEARTLAND,  TahoeCity,  Cal. 

"  Should  he  accept  my  proposition,  I  will  start  West  as  soon  there" 
after  as  practicable.  I  am  told  the  journey  is  long,  tedious  and  weari 
some.  It  may  be,  that  is  not  half  so  wearisome  as  the  garrulous 
women  of  B.  The  matter  is  settled  ;  if  he  accepts.  I  will  turn  my 
footsteps  to  the  far  West  instanter.  But  I  must  return  now  to  my 
school  duties.  How  can  I  tolerate  these  even  for  a  few  weeks  more! 
Yet  the  cross  must  be  borne,  until  I  obtain  an  answer  to  my  letter,  for 
it  will  not  do  to  lose  my  place  here,  until  the  other  is  secured.  " 

Putting  on  her  bonnet,  she  left  for  her  school-room.  Like  the  fabled 
milkmaid  in  the  spelling  book,  she  planned  as  she  walked,  with  what 
success  time  will  show. 


Tahoc:  or  Life  in  California.  25 


CHAPTER  V. 


PLEASANT    ANTICIPATIONS. 

"  Yes ;  beauty  dwells  in  all  our  paths  :  but  sorrow,  too,  is  there  !" 

"  Children,  you  have  annoyed  me  more  to  day  than  I  can  tell  ;  if 
you  do  not  study  your  lessons,  of  course,  you  cannot  recite  them.  If 
I  am  annoyed  with  any  more  such  lessons,  I  shall  send  the  last  one  of 
you  foot."  Thus  spoke  Miss  Hubblestubble  in  her  impatient  wrath, 
nor  noticed  the  mistake  she  had  made.  The  merry  laugh  that  followed 
only  added  indignation  to  her  already  enraged  feelings,  and  throwing 
the  book  angrily  down,  she  dismissed  the  class  and  left  the  room, 
saying,  "You  hateful  brats,  I  will  never  teach  you  again."  She  went 
immediately  to  her  boarding-house,  and  as  she  walked  along  she 
mused  in  this  manner  :  "  Now  I  suppose  all  these  villagers  will  be 
wondering  why  school  was  dismissed  so  much  earlier  to-day  than 
usual ;  and  they'll  be  asking  the  children  all  sorts  of  impertinent  ques 
tions.  I  don't  care  ;  I  was  completely  worn  out  and  if  I  lose  my  place 
it  does  not  matter.  What  were  children  ever  made  for  ?  Just  to 
annoy  people  to  death  ?  It  could  have  been  for  nothing  else,  and  they 
fulfill  their  mission.  I  despise  them.  I  hope  after  I  leave  here,  I  will 
never  see  another  one.  They  come  into  the  world  bawling,  and  they 
kick,  bawl  and  squall  as  long  as  they  are  children.  I  would  not  stay 
in  the  same  house  with  one  of  them  again,  for  the  whole  of  Manhattan 
Island.  Well,  here  I  am  at  home  again ;  I  will  go  to  my  room  and 
draw  one  more  easy  breath.  I  have  had  no  peace  to  day.  I  have 
never  felt  teaching  such  a  drudgery  before.  The  little  scamps  make 
faces  behind  my  back,  laugh  at  every  word  I  utter.  Sometimes  I  feel 
as  if  I  could  kill  them  outright.  I  will  not  teach  them  again,  I  vow  I 
will  not.  I  am  so  discouraged,  too,  about  my  Western  project.  It  is 


26  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

double  the  time  in  which  I  should  have  had  an  answer.  I  will  ring 
and  ask  if  there  are  any  letters  for  me,  though  I  know  it  is  useless 
I  have  looked  for  two  long  weeks,  yet  none  have  come ;  I  will  ask 
anyhow."  The  servant  answered  the  bell,  went  down-stairs  and 
returning  in  a  few  moments,  handed  her  a  letter  post-marked  Tahoe 
City,  and  said  :  "Miss  Hubblestubble,  Professor  Meade  is  in  the  parlor, 
and  desires  to  see  you." 

"  Tell  him  I  will  be  down  immediately."  She  glanced  at  the  letter 
and  closing  the  door  in  the  face  of  the  menial,  she  continued  :  "  I 
will  read  this  letter,  though  a  hundred  Professors  were  waiting  to 
see  me,"  and  tearing  open  the  letter  she  read  as  follows  : 

Miss  HUBBLESTUBBLE: — Yours  of  the  i $th  inst.,  came  to  hand, 
and  merited  an  earlier  reply,  but  it  took  some  time  to  make  all  neces 
sary  inquiries.  I  am  glad  to  say,  they  proved  satisfactory,  and  we 
hope  to  see  you  at  Sierran  Villa,  near  Tahoe  City,  at  as  early  a  date  as 
will  suit  your  convenience. 

Messrs.  G.  L.  Wallace  &  Co.,  will  notify  me  of  your  arrival  in  Tahoe 
City,  and  my  carriage  will  meet  you  there. 
With  great  respect, 

PHILLIP  HEARTLAND. 

For  once  in  her  life,  a  quiet,  happy  smile  passed  over  the  hard,  stony 
face  of  Augusta  Hubblestubble,  but  it  gave  place  to  a  look  of  revenge 
ful  triumph  as  she  thought  of  Professor  Meade.  "Yes,  I  know  what 
has  brought  him  here;  he  is  the  Superintendent  of  the  schools,  but  he 
has  superintended  me  for  the  last  time.  I  suppose  he  intends  lecturing 
me  for  my  display  of  temper  to-day,  and  for  dismissing  school  so  early! 
I  knew  that  would  be  all  over  town  in  less  than  five  minutes,  but  he 
will  be  surprised  when  I  tell  him  I  have  dismissed  school  for  good.  I 
must  go  and  see  what  his  dignified  Superintendentship  wishes."  She 
descended  the  stairs  and  entered  the  parlor. 

"Good  afternoon,  Miss  Augusta!" 

"Glad  to  see  you,  Professor." 

"I  regret  that  I  have  been  compelled  to  call  on  business  of  an  un 
pleasant  character, — 

"State  your  business,  sir." 

"There  are  complaints  among  the  patrons — 

"That'll  do,  you  need  not  go  farther — 

"Of  the  school,"  continued  the  Superintendent. 

"Silence,"  said  Miss  Hubblestubble,  "did  I  not  tell  you  to  say  no 
more?  I  know  what  you  are  going  to  say,  so  I  will  save  you  the 
trouble  by  informing  you  that  my  place  is  vacant,  as  teacher,  in  your 
school ;  I  do  not  desire  to  retain  the  situation  any  more  than  you  desire 
that  I  should;  but  I  do  not  intend  to  be  discharged,  I  want  it  distinctly 
understood,  I  resign  my  situation.  Do  you  understand  me,  sir?" 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California.  27 

"Yes,  madam,"  gasped  the  Professor. 

"Do  not  dare  to  call  me  madam  again.  I  am  an  unmarried  lady  ami 
must  be  addressed  as  "Miss." 

"I  beg  pardon,  Miss — " 

"Well,  as  I  said,  I  have  resigned.  Do  you  understand  me,  sir?" 

"I  do,  Miss — " 

"I  want  you  to  make  the  rest  of  this  community  as  well  aware  of  the 
fact  as  you  are.  Do  you  hear  me,  sir?" 

"Yes,  Miss—" 

"Then  heed  me." 

"I  will,  Miss—" 

"I  am  tired  of  teaching,  and  am  going  to  California?" 

"Indeed?" 

"Yes,  indeed!     I  am  going  on  a  visit  to  some  wealthy  relatives." 

"When?" 

"Immediately;  in  fact,  I  am  going  there  to  live.  I  may  visit  Belle 
Meade  again,  but  that  is  in  the  future." 

"The  people  here,"  said  the  Professor,  pithily,  "will  be  sorry,  very 
sorry,  to  lose  a  teacher  who  has  been  with  them  twen — 

"That'll  do:  You  need  not  be  so  accurate  about  your  calculations. 
Sorry,  indeed,  when  you  come  here  in  their  name  for  the  purpose  of 
dismissing  me." 

"Indeed,  I  did  not!" 

"What  brought  you  then?" 

"To  inquire  after  your  very  good  health,  Miss — 

"That  is  not  so!  Did  you  not  tell  me  just  now,  that  you  were  on 
business  of  an  unpleasant  nature?" 

"Yes,  Miss,  but  it  was  in  regard  to  the  complaint  of  the  patrons,  and 
was  only  to  be  a  censure,  and  not  a  dismissal,  as  you  thought." 

"You  mean,  Professor,  you  were  only  going  to  threaten  a  little.  I 
am  glad  you  found  it  entirely  unnecessary.  Now  you  can  take  your 
cowardly,  falsifying  self  off  and  hunt  up  another  teacher  to  fill  my 
vacant  place.  I  wish  you  a  pleasant  evening,  sir,"  and  Miss  Hubble- 
stubble  strode  proudly  from  the  room. 

Once  more  alone,  she  read  Col.  Hartland's  letter,  and  her  busy 
thoughts  flew  to  the  future. 

"  His  daughter,  yes,  his  daughter  !  I  had  forgotten  there  would  be 
a  female  there  to  deal  with.  I  wonder  what  she  is  like  ?  I  had  lost 
sight  of  this  item  in  the  affair,  so  wrapped  up  have  I  been  in  my  wild 
desire  to  go  West ;  to  leave  this  place  forever.  But  she  is  evidently 
young,  and  can  be  brought  to  my  way  of  thinking  and  acting.  I  sin 
cerely  hope  she  has  no  female  attendant  about  her  to  gossip  or  to  pry. 


28  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

There  are  many  things  I  do  not  care  to  have  her  know.  My  blue  vel 
vet  reticule  is  sacred.  I  do  not  wish  other  eyes  than  mine  to  look 
beyond  the  outside  covering.  I  use  rouge  and  hair-dye.  My  excessive 
palor  is  from  hard  work  and  confinement.  I  have  had  no  outdoor 
exercise,  as  other  girls  of  my  age  are  accustomed  to.  I  am  compelled 
to  rouge,  or  I  would  be  deathlike.  From  trouble,  and  not  from  age. 
my  hair  has  turned  a  little  white,  not  gray,  but  just  a  little  white.  It 
has  faded  and  it  would  look  quite  unnatural,  if  I  did  not  dye  it ;  I  do 
not  really  dye  it ;  I  simply  use  a  restorative.  That  I  am  compelled 
to  do,  or  else  be  subjected  to  the  imputation  of  being  eccentric,  and 
of  all  things  in  the  world  that  people,  that  is  sensible  people,  do  dislike, 
it  is  a  peculiar  person  ;  especially  a  woman.  T  should  certainly  lay  a 
just  claim  to  eccentricity,  if  I  permitted  my  head  to  remain  white,  at 
my  age.  There,  too,  are  my  spectacles.  I  must  carry  them  with  me 
for  I  cannot  see  without  them.  In  my  case,  they  are  no  evidence  of 
age.  Besides  being  a  little  near-sighted,  my  eyes  are  quite  weak  from 
too  much  study.  They  might,  however,  cause  mistakes  in  regard  to 
my  age  if  they  were  seen.  Of  that  I  must  take  care.  As  I  use  them 
only  on  account  of  my  weak  eyes,  there  can  be  no  deceit  in  my  not 
showing  them  on  all  occasions,  inasmuch  as  every  one  can  see  I  am 
not  old  enough  to  wear  them.  I  shall  keep  all  these  little  valuables  in 
my  little  blue  velvet  bag,  and  no  eyes  but  mine  shall  see  its  contents. 
I  will  wear  it  upon  my  left  arm.  The  bright  blue  color  will  cause  my 
fair  skin  to  seem  doubly  fair.  The  little  treasure  will  not  only  orna 
ment,  but  will  enhance  the  beauty  of  my  arm.  A  few  short  months 
in  that  healthy  clime,  will  restore  my  limbs  to  their  accustomed  round 
ness,  and  the  hues  of  health,  will  again  redden  my  cheeks.  My  full, 
rosy  lips  will  hide  so  effectually  the  false  teeth,  that  no  sane  person 
will  suspect  they  are  not  my  own,  but  they  are  mine;  I  can  truthfully 
say  so,  for  my  hard-earned  money  bought  them.  Besides,  they  are  such 
a  good  counterfeit,  that  I  might  just  as  well  call  them  genuine.  It  is  so 
dreadfully  foolish  to  give  children  so  much  medicine.  They  gave  me 
so  much,  when  I  was  a  child,  I  lost  my  teeth  soon  after  reaching  wo 
manhood,  and  for  three  years  I  have  had  to  wear  false  ones.  But  the 
Heartland  family  will  be  none  the  wiser  on  that  score.  The  best  thing 
in  such  cases,  is  to  keep  your  affairs  to  yourself.  You  cannot  explain 
such  things  satisfactorily  to  all.  They  will  have  their  own  ideas  about 
these  things,  and  it  only  exposes  your  veracity  to  doubt  to  let  them  be 
known,  and  afterward  try  to  set  them  right.  For  my  part  I  shall 
keep  my  own  secrets,  always.  I  don't  think  I  could  have  stood  a  dis 
appointment  in  this  California  matter,  it  would  have  been  so  bitter. 
Let  me  read  his  letter  again.  How  noble  his  chirography!  It  is  an 


TaJioc:  or  Life  in  California.  29 

index  to  his  character.  'There  is  a  destiny  that  shapes  our  ends,  rough 
hew  them  how  we  will.'  I  do  not  believe  it.  But  I  do  believe,  'there 
is  a  tide  iri  the  affairs  of  men,  which,  if  taken  at  the  flood,  leads  on  to 
fortune.'  I  believe  it,  and  I  am  on  that  tide,  and  it  is  at  its  flood.  But 
here,  what  is  this  on  the  other  side  of  the  letter?  It  is  strange  1  should 
have  overlooked  it!  He  says: 

"A  friend  in  Vermont  writes  me,  that  your  age,  experience,  and 
high  breeding  are  sufficient  recommendations,  so  I  will  not  call  on  you 
for  references." 

PHILLIP  HEARTLAND. 

My  age  indeed!  I  have  a  great  mind  not  to  go.  The  impudent  scamp! 
I  know  I  shall  hate  him.  But  I  must  go.  I  cannot  afford  to  '  cut  off 
my  own  nose  to  spite  my  face.'  I  wonder  who  could  have  given  the 
old  rascal  his  information.  There  is  one  thing  sure,  he  cannot  have 
much  the  advantage  of  me  on  the  age  question.  He  must  have  written 
here  to  some  of  these  village  folks;  but  it  was  not  a  woman  that  time, 
and  I  ought  to  be  thankful,  for,  if  it  had  been,  I  would  certainly  have 
failed  in  getting  the  situation.  She  would  have  slandered  me  to  such 
an  extent,  that  Col.  Heartland  would  have  at  once  rejected  my  appli 
cation.  I  will  go,  and  make  myself  so  agreeable  when  once  there,  that 
this  Western  man  will  soon  forget  what  this  malicious  person,  whoever 
he  may  be,  has  said  about  my  age;  besides,  residing  in  that  far-off 
country,  it  is  not  likely  that  he  will  see  other  women,  younger  than 
myself,  with  whom  to  compare  me.  I  doubt  not,  he  is  a  sensible 
man,  and  being  such  he  knows  that, 

"It  is  not  the  face,  it  is  not  the  form: 

It  is  not  the  heart,  however  warm; 
It  is  not  these,  tho'  allcombined, 

That  win  true  love,  it  is  the  mind.'" 

"Augusta  Hubblestubble  has  the  mind.  As  to  my  age,  I  do  not  know 
it  myself.  I  do  not  wish  to  know  it,  and  I  am  determined  no  one  else 
shall.  It  is  a  dreadful,  horrible,  gloomy  thought,  the  thought  of  grow 
ing  old,  and  that,  too,  with  no  man's  strong  arm  between  you  and  the 
rough  outer  world,  to  shield  and  protect.  This  lapsing  of  time  into 
eternity !  I  cannot  and  must  not  think  of  it.  I  would  be  haggard 
enough  to  be  taken  for  a  grandmother  in  less  than  twenty-four  hours, 
if  I  suffered  my  mind  to  dwell  on  it.  I  must  banish  all  unpleasant 
memories  and  keep  in  view  only  the  delightful  future.  I  must  brighten 
up  and  free  my  mind  of  every  care,  that  I  may  carry  a  young,  happy 
face  to  California.  But  to  work.  A  few  preparations  and  I  am  ready. 
For  once  Augusta  Hubblestubble  will  create  a  sensation  in  this  village. 
What  will  the  gossips  say  when  I  am  gone?  I  would  like  to  be  here' 


30  Tahoe;  or  Life  in  California. 

to  hear  them.  Would  that  I  had  one  faithful  friend  to  write  me  all 
their  surmises.  I'll  take  that  back  ;  I  do  not  wish  any  such  friends,  for 
while  they  were  keeping  me  posted  as  to  the  sayings  and  doings  of 
others,  they  would  pry  into  and  divulge  to  others  everything  concern- 
ng  me.  No«-  even  my  little  blue  reticule  could  hold  its  secrets  then. 
No,  as  I  said  before,  I  will  have  no  friends,  and  I  will  keep  my  own  se 
crets.  1  have  made  a  mistake,  I  did  not  say  it  before,  but  I  say  it  now, 
most  emphatically.  Ah,  villagers  !  You  know  not  what  is  in  store 
for  you.  Yes,  you  do ;  I  had  almost  forgotten  that  I  had  told  long- 
tongued  Professor  Meade  of  my  anticipated  journey,  and  he  could 
not  keep  it  to  save  his  life.  Every  baby  in  town  already  knows  it.  What 
would  1  not  give  to  tell  each  one  of  my  acquaintances  myself  and  wit 
ness  their  surprise  and  astonishment?  But  ycu  never  get  a  chance  to 
do  that  in  a  village.  Tell  it  once  and  it  goes  the  rounds  so  fast  you 
do  not  get  a  chance  to  surprise  but  one  listener.  Well,  as  I  live  !  I  just 
happened  to  glance  out  of  the  window,  and,  what  do  you  think  ?  There 
goes  old  Miss  Meade  over  the  hill  to  the  parsonage  to  tell  the  news. 
Professor  Meade's  old  maid  sisters  do  their  share  towards  keeping 
things  stirring,  and  the  Professor  himself  is  no  mean  hand  at  it.  I 
wonder  what  our  preacher  will  say?  Will  he  not  regret  not  doing  his 
part  towards  keeping  me  here  in  Belle  Meade  ?  And  that  stupid  young 
wife  of  his  !  I  know  she  will  be  glad  I  am  gone,  for  I  know  the  gad 
abouts  must  have  told  her  how  much  in  love  with  Augusta  Hubble- 
stubble  her  husband  was  at  one  time.  Of  course  they  did.  The  temp 
tation  was  too  great  for  them  to  resist  it.  It  was  too  good  to  keep. 
Perhaps  he  told  her  himself  how  I  bluffed  him.  I  did  it  though  through 
a  true  womanly  motive ;  to  save  him  from  the  mortification  of  being 
discarded.  I  knew  him  to  be  a  most  excellent  man,  and  a  denial  would 
have  been  exceedingly  harrowing  to  his  very  sensitive  nature.  He 
seemed  to  appreciate  the  kindness,  for  he  has  always  been  a  good 
friend  of  mine.  I  could  have  loved  him,  but  he  was  so  much  older 
than  myself  there  couldbe  no  congeniality  between  us. 

"Miss  Meade  wishes  to  see  you  in  the  parlor,"  said  the  waiter,  ap 
pearing  at  the  door. 

"Tell  her  I  will  be  down  directly." 

"This  is  very  troublesome,"  she  soliloquized,  arranging  her  dress 
preparatory  to  going  down-stairs,  "but  she  has  just  come  from 
the  parsonage,  and  I  will  see  if  I  can  find  out  what  has  been  said  over 
there  respecting  my  movements.  I'll  end  by  finding  out  all  that  has 
been  said  in  the  town  concerning  the  same,  for  there  are  more  Salina 
Meades  in  this  village  than  one.  It  is  inhabited  by  them.  But  I  must 
go,  else  she  will  think  I  am  primping  for  her  benefit." 


Talioc:  or  Life  in  California.  31 

"Good  morning,  Miss  Salina." 

"Why,  how  do  you  do  to-day,  Miss  Augusta  ?" 

"Have  this  easy  chair,  I  know  you  must  be  weary.  You  have  walked 
way  over  the  hill  from  the  parsonage,  have  you  not?" 

"Thank  you,  I  have  not  a  moment  to  stay.  My  brother  told  me 
you  had  given  up  your  place  in  the  school  and  were  going  to  visit  re 
lations  in  California,  and  I  thought  I  would  just  run  over  and  see  if 
our  preacher  had  heard  it,  and  if  not,  tell  him  about  it.  He  was  at 
home,  for  a  wonder,  and  it  was  lucky  for  me  that  he  was,  for  he  set 
my  mind  at  ease,  my  dear  Miss  Augusta,  in  regard  fo  you.  You  know 
I  have  always  loved  you  so  much  I  felt  great  solicitude  when  I  found  you 
were  about  to  go  so  far  away  from  us.  I,  of  course,  wished  to  know 
where  you  were  going,  and  for  what  purpose.  Our  preacher  says  this 
Col.  Heartland,  whose  daughter  you  are  going  to  be  tutoress  to,  is 
one  of  the  wealthiest  men  in  California.  A  man  of  high  standing  and 
great  moral  worth.  He  was  a  college-mate  of  his  at  Princeton,  and  is 
of  one  of  the  oldest  and  best  families  of  Virginia.  He  married  a 
Miss  Alice  Fairfax,  also  of  fine  family.  He  sold  his  Virginia 
estate,  and  taking  his  young  wife  went  to  California,  where,  in 
less  than  a  year,  she  died,  leaving  him  with  an  infant  daughter.  He 
has  remained  since  on  his  beautiful  country  estate,  to  which  his  wife 
gave  the  name  of  'Sierran  Villa/  because  it  is  situated  on  the  Sierra  Ne 
vada  mountains,  on  the  bank  of  Lake  Tahoe.  A  nice,  rich  widower ; 
think  of  it,  Miss  Augusta.  If  I  had  your  chance  I  would  make  it  pay. 
I  know  my  brother  made  a  mistake  when  he  said  you  told  him  you 
were  going  to  visit  relations.  I  knew  you  had  no  relations  in  the  West, 
besides,  I  feel  satisfied  a  woman  of  your  stamp  would  never  sacrifice 
her  independence  by  living  with  relatives,  no  matter  how  opulent  they 
might  be.  Was  I  not  right,  my  friend  ?  Now  do  tell  me  when  you 
will  start." 

"I  will  go,"  said  Miss  Hubblestubble,  "to  New  York  Wednesday, 
and  thence  by  the  first  steamer." 

"Then,  I'll  see  you  again,'*  she  said,  rising  to  go.  "In  the  mean 
time  let  me  go  and  tell  my  other  friends  about  it."  She  gave  Miss 
Hubblestubble  a  loud  kiss  on  the  cheek  and  hurried  away. 

"Thank  the  Lord,  she  is  gone,"  and  saying  this  Miss  Augusta  re 
turned  to  her  chamber. 

"Yes,"  she  said,  as  she  set  about  packing,  "it  is  to  our  minister  that 
I  am  indebted  for  the  recommendation.  I  regret  he  thought  it  neces 
sary  to  mention  my  age  at  all.  But  he  secured  this  place  for  me  in 
Col.  Heartland's  house,  and  I  ought  to  be  more  grateful  than  to  think 
hard  of  him,  and  I  will  not,  for  he  knew  nothing  of  my  age,  except 


32  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

what  some  of  these  women  told  him,  and  dear,  good,  credulous  old 
man,  he  believed  them  all.  No  wonder  Augusta  Hubblestubble  leaves 
you  women  of  Belle  Meade  without  regret.  With  a  joyful  heart  she 
bids  you  adieu,  and  with  her  soul  full  of  hope  and  gladness  she  will  re 
turn  at  no  distant  day,  not  as  Miss  Hubblestubble  but  as  Mrs.  Col. 
Heartland.  If  this  prediction  be  not  fulfilled  it  will  be  no  fault  of  hers. 
How  you  will  watch  that  coming  !  Many  a  maiden  heart  will  ache 
with  envy  and  many  a  venomous  tongue  will  be  paralysed  and  'wag  no 
longer  in  noise  so  rude  against  me.'  The  honored  name  I  bear,  and  the 
wealth  which  will  be  mine  will  cause  you  to  forget  the  past,  and  shield 
me  from  all  future  animadversion  on  your  part.  Thus  it  is  with  the 
world  !  In  adversity  we  have  but  few  friends ;  let  prosperity  come  and 
'their  name  is  legion.'  A  little  while  and  friends  will  be  plentiful,  and 
Augusta  will  spend  the  balance  of  her  life  in  luxury.  In  other  words, 
her  prosperous  days  are  dawning.  How  she  prays  for  the  hastening 
of  their  coming  !  She  intends  to  stock  her  cards  and  so  play  them  as 
to  insure  the  success  she  craves.  I  do  not  believe  in  a  sacrifice  of 
principles  for  anything.  It  is  said,  'all  things  are  fair  in  love  or  war, 
still  I  would  not  marry  unless  I  loved.  I  know  I  shall  admire  this  Col. 
Heartland.  I  have  already  changed  my  opinion  of  him.  I  did  so  as 
soon  as  I  made  the  discovery  that  he  was  not  to  blame  for  saying  what 
he  did  concerning  my  age.  He  received  this  impression  from  the  letters 
written  him,  but  I  can  disabuse  his  mind  in  regard  to  that  matter  in  a 
very  short  time.  I  will  be  agreeable,  yes,  for  once  in  my  life,  I  will  be 
very  agreeable.  I  could  never  be  so  here  to  a  gentleman,  for  just  as 
certain  as  I  tried  it  some  of  these  lynx-eyed  women  would  see  it,  and 
this  low,  mean  village  would  giggle  at  my  expense  for  a  week.  I  will 
show  him  only  the  sunny  side  of  my  heart,  and  should  fortune  favor 
me  and  I  become  the  wife  of  this  man,  whom  I  already  so  fervently 
admire.  I  will  prove  worthy  of  the  trust  committed  to  my  keeping. 
The  very  idea  of  marrying  has  already  softened  my  disposition.  I 
should  not  wonder  if  the  reality  did  not  eradicate  all  sourness— not 
that,  for  I  have  never  been  sour,  but'all  former  discontent  from  my 
mind.  There  are  some  people  who  are  naturally  uncomfortable,  every 
thing  always  going  wrong  with  them  ;  no  peace,  no  happiness,  grum 
ble,  grumble  all  day  long,  and  finding  fault  with  everybody  and  every 
thing.  I  am  so  thankful  I  am  not  of  that  class,  and  I  do  not  think 
Col.  Heartland  can  be  either,  for  I  have  read  and  re-read  his  manly 
letter,  and  can  find  nothing  of  that  sort  about  it.  On  the  whole,  I 
think  we  are  congenial,  and  it  will  be  in  all  respects  a  happy  match.  I 
am  willing  to  risk  it  at  all  events.  Why  should  it  not  be  ?  It  is  absurd 
to  suppose  it  could  be  otherwise.  I  know  he  must  be  handsome, 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California.  33 

Western  men  are  all  fine  looking,  so  they  say,  I  have  never  seen  any  of 
them.  I  wish  I  had  his  picture.  I  intend  to  have  his  portrait  taken, 
and  one  of  myself,  too,  as  soon  as  we  are  married,  and  hang  them  side 
by  side  in  our  Western  home.  I  have  his  fancied  image  in  my  heart  of 
hearts,  and  hope,  'ere  long,  to  have  the  opportunity  of  comparing  it 
with  the  original.  What  strange  cameras  our  hearts  are  !  How  truly 
Madam  De  Stael  expresses  it  when  she  says  :  'There  are  innate  im 
ages  in  our  hearts  of  the  beings  whom  we  are  to  love  that  lends  to  our 
first  sight  of  them  an  air  of  almost  recognition."  Such  is  the  image  I 
cherish  of  Col.  Heartland.  I  know  full  well  that  my  brightest  fancies 
will  be  fully  realized.  Speed,  happy  time  ;  come,  glorious  future,  come, 
for  Augusta  Hubblestubble  is  tired  'of  cold  New  England's  stormy 
clime,'  and  longs  for  the  genial  atmosphere  of  the  \Vestern  skies,  then 
when  winter  comes  she  can  retire  from  the  Lake  to  Southern  California, 
where  flowers  scatter  around  their  rich  perfumes  in  December  as  well 
as  June  ;  where  the  orange,  the  lime  and  the  olive  grow ;  where  spring 
reigns  eternal.  Delightful  thought !  A  land,  a  far  distant  land,  that 
the  grey-bearded  king  of  the  North  can  never  clasp  in  his  frozen  em 
brace,  and  never  touch  with  his  ice-clad  fingers !  To  no  longer  be  im 
prisoned  by  his  annual  visitations,  but  to  roam  at  all  times  of  the  year, 
over  a  land  of  fruits  and  flowers,  over  grass-clad  hills,  and  amid  vine- 
clad  bowers  !  The.  thought  is  glorious,  the  reality  bliss  !  I  already 
breathe  the  exhilerating  air,  and  feel  the  sweet,  blissful  influences  !  I 
must  bid  my  friends  good  bye.  I  have  a  few  friends  I  regret  to  part 
from,  but  must  console  myself  and  them  with  the  fact  that  'their  loss  is 
my  gain.'  I  must  pack  my  trunk,  not  forgetting  my  little  blue  reticule, 
and  having  an  eye  to  the  fact  that  I  must  be  in  New  York  in  time  to 
take  the  Friday's  steamer  for  Panama.  They  say  Friday  is  an  unlucky 
day  to  begin  a  journey.  I  will  not  let  such  nonsense  detain  me,  be 
sides  my  journey  will  begin  from  this  point,  and  several  days  before  the 
unlucky  Friday.  But  Friday  or  no  Friday,  I  am  going.  The  trip  is  a 
long  one,  but  I  am  strong,  anxious  and  more  than  willing." 


34  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


'T'was  in  a  land  that  far  away 
Into  the  golden  Occident  lies." 

"My  daughter,  shall  we  go  to  Yosemite?"  The  speaker  was  Col. 
Phillip  Heartland,  who  has  already  been  mentioned  in  our  preceding 
pages.  He  was  of  medium  height,  with  dark,  clear  complexion,  black 
hair,  now  mingled  with  gray,  and  sparkling,  black  eyes.  His  comely 
person,  high  culture,  and  courtly  bearing,  accorded  well  with  his 
princely  wealth. 

"You  know  father,  that  I've  always  so  much  desired  to  visit  Yose 
mite,"  replied  a  young  and  beautiful  girl  on  the  seat  opposite. 

"Then,  my  daughter,  the  question  is  settled.  We  go.  I  will  send 
Griffin  and  Bertina  on,  and  we  will  join  them,  after  seeing  Yosemite. 
It  is  not  worth  while  to  carry  our  servants  with  us,  as  we  tarry  but  a 
short  while,  therefore,  I  will  send  them,  together  with  our  baggage,  to 
San  Francisco." 

"Just  you  and  I,  dear  father,  we  can  go  so  quickly  and  easily,  and 
being  unencumbered,  I  think  we  shaH  enjoy  it  the  more." 

They  were  just  passing  Donner  Lake,  almost  hid  from  view  by  the 
snow  sheds. 

"This  lake  is  famous,  being  the  scene  of  an  occurence  which  has  at 
tached  to  it  sad  and  mournful  reminiscences." 

"Tell  me  about  it,  please  sir,"  said  a  little  boy  climbing  upon  Col. 
Heartland's  knees.  "Please  tell  me  about  it,"  he  added,  turning  to  the 
picture  of  it  in  the  guide  book,  which  he  held  in  his  hands. 

"Yes,  please,  father,"  said  Alice,  drawing  nearer  and  adding  her  re 
quest  to  that  of  the  friendly  little  stranger.  "Tell  us  both  about  it." 

"And  may  I  listen,  too?"  said  a  young  man  near  them,  glancing 
furtively  at  Alice.  "If  it  will  be  no  intrusion,  I  should  like  to  hear  it 
also." 


TaJwe:  or  Life  in  California.  35 

"Certainly,"  replied  Col.  Heartland,  courteously;  making  room  for 
him  on  the  same  seat,  he  motioned  to  the  young  man  to  come  and  sit 
beside  him. 

"Well,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "it  was  near  the  scene  we  are  now  pass 
ing,  on  this  lake,  which  is  called  Donner  Lake,  with   its  crystal  outlet 
creek,  that  over  thirty  persons  perished,  by  starvation  and  cold  during 
the  winter  of  1846-47.     A  more  heart-rendering  story  has  seldom  been 
told.     A  colony  of  eighty-two  persons  had  reached  this   locality,   on 
their  way  to  the  far-famed  land  of  gold.     Among   them  were    many 
women  and  children,  and  they  had  encamped,  at   a   place   afterwards 
called  "Starvation  Camp,"  near  by   Donner   Creek,   when  a   terrible 
snow  storm  covered  the  whole  earth  for  many  feet  deep,  succeeded  by 
one  of  the  most  severe  winters  on  record.     It  was  impossible  for  them 
to  return  or  go  forward.     Thus  cut  off,  they   soon  consumed  all  the 
provisions  they  had.     Relief  was  impossible.     Thirteen  persons  went 
out  for  help,  and  of  that  number,  ten  died  before  reaching  their  desti 
nation.     Their  cattle  died  and  were  eaten,  and  then  they  ate  the  flesh 
of  their  frozen  companions.     Their  sufferings  from  hunger  knew  no 
bounds.     Relief  finally  came  in  March,  but  all  the  living  could  not  then 
be  saved.     One  family,  Donner  by  name,  refused  to  be  separated.  The 
alternative  was  presented  to  Mrs.  Donner,  to  leave  her  husband,   and 
with  her  children,  seek  a   place   of  safety,  or  remain  with  him  and 
perish.  She  chose  the  latter  and  was  left.  In  April,  when  the  placewas 
again  reached,  the  husband's  body  was  found  prepared  for  the  grave 
lying  cold  and  stiff.     The   devoted  wife  had  made  everything  ready 
with  her  own  hands,  and  then  followed  his  soul  with  hers  into  eternity. 
How  long,  none  could  tell.  Such  is  only  one  of  the  many  tales  of  misery 
endured  by  those  who  were  engaged  in  early  immigration  to  Califor 
nia.     We  turn  shuddering  from  the  distressing  accounts  of  a  tragedy 
which  appears  so  little  in  keeping  with  the  quiet,  still   beauty   of   the 
lake  and  its  surroundings.     The  name  given  to  it  under   the  circum 
stances,  is  appropriate.     It  is  a  fitting  and   lasting  monument   to  the 
memory  of  a  pure,  unselfish  and  devoted  wife,  who  preferred  to  die  with 
her  husband,  rather  than  leave  him  to  perish  alone.     It  is  just,  that  it 
should  bear  her  name,  and  the  bright  surface  should  mirror  to  mankind 
her  image  forever;  and  the  murmuring  waters  of  her  name-sake  creek, 
should  swell  her  requiem  to  the  end  of  time.     Such  a   reward,  purity, 
fidelity  and  self  sacrifice  must  ever  claim.     Each  passing  traveller  will 
shed  a  tear,  and  each  distant   reader  pays  his  tribute  to  her  memory." 
The  recital  ended,  the  little  boy  got  down  from  his  resting  place  and 
returned  to  his  parents  in  the  far  end  of  the  car,  but   the  young   man 
kept  his  seat,  as  if  awaiting  something  more  of  interebt. 


36  Tajjioe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Are  you  going  to  Yosemite  ?"  he  asked. 

"  We  were  thinking  of  it,  "replied  Col.  Heartland. 

"I  should  like  to  go,  if  I  only  had  leisure  just  now,"  said  he,  glancing 
again  towards  Alice.  Ordinarily,  Col.  Heartland  would  have  invited 
him  to  accompany  him,  but  he  thought  of  his  daughter,  and  said  not  a 
word.  Suddenly  the  cars  stopped,  and  looking  out  they  saw  a  large 
assembly  of  Indian  men.  "  It  is  an  Indian  funeral,"  said  Col.  Heart 
land.  "  Let  us  go  and  witness  it." 

"We  have  stopped  in  order  that  the  passengers  may  go  out  and  see 
it,"  replied  the  conductor,  passing. 

Col.  Heartland  and  his  daughter  arose.  Alice  dropped  her  fan.  The 
stranger  picked  it  up  and  handed  it  to  her.  With  a  "thank  you"  she 
walked  by  his  side  to  the  door.  He  assisted  her  out,  and  walked  with 
her  to  where  the  Indians  were  performing  the  last  burial  rite  for  one 
of  their  number.  It  was  a  man,  old  and  infirm.  The  machinery  of 
life  had  run  down,  and  his  tribe  were  assembled  to  pay  the  last  tribute 
of  respect  to  one  who,  in  the  course  of  nature,  had  passed  away.  No 
house,  no  tent,  not  even  a  tree  was  near.  Far  away  from  civilization, 
they  had  made  a  wicker  bed  and  supported  it  upon  four  stakes  about 
three  feet  from  the  ground.  On  this  they  spread  a  blanket,  laid  the 
corpse  upon  it,  placed  the  gun  he  had  used  in  life  at  his  side,  with  shot 
and  powder.  They  then  sang  the  funeral  song  in  their  own  wild  lan 
guage,  and  as  the  last  note  died  upon  the  air,  they  silently  marched 
away.  Alone  and  undisturbed,  in  his  own  free  mountain  home,  his 
flesh  was  left  to  dry  and  blow  away,  and  his  bones  to  bleach  and  turn 
back  to  dust ;  for  birds  of  prey  come  not  in  this  pure,  high,  mountain 
atmosphere.  Flesh  never  becomes  putrid  here,  but  simply  dries,  crum 
bles  and  passes  away.  The  air  is  so  thin  and  light,  the  travelers  felt 
they  conld  not  take  in  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  lungs.  They  were  liter 
ally  hungry  for  breath.  In  the  distance  might  be  seen  the  mountain 
peaks,  covered  with  snow,  summer  and  winter,  miles  and  miles  away, 
yet  distinctly  visible  through  the  thin,  clear  atmosphere,  like  white 
winged  hope,  ever  present  to  the  view,  relieving  the  surrounding  gloom. 
The  deer  and  antelope  bounding  to  their  mountain  retreats,  seemed 
but  small,  dark,  moving  specks  upon  the  sky. 

The  party  again  reseated  themselves  in  the  cars  and  the  train  went 
bounding  on.  Conversation  had  about  ceased,  and  the  passengers  be 
coming  drowsy,  some  were  settling  themselves  down  for  a  moment's 
sleep,  when  suddenly,  Alice  touched  her  father  and  directed  his  atten 
tion  to  the  front  of  the  car.  The  train  had  paused  at  a  station.  Two 
gentlemen  had  arisen  to  their  feet  and  stood  looking  defiantly  at  each 
other,  and  speaking  in  angry  tones.  All  was  still  as  death  among  the 


TaJioc:  or  Life  in   California.  37 

rest  of  the  passengers.  These  men  were  in  middle  life.  One  hailed 
from  the  old  "North  State,  "  and  had  long  beard,  hair  mingled  with 
grey,  falling  in  waves  upon  his  shoulders,  keen,  searching  eyes,  impul 
sive  nature  and  high-bred  air ;  a  relative  of  Patrick  Henry,  the  same 
fiery  blood  coursed  through  his  veins,  and  the  same  daring  independ 
ence  pervaded  his  being.  All  listened  to  the  discussion  until  they 
thought  the  old  hero  of  "  Ceasar  had  his  Brutus,  Charles  I  his 
Cromwell,  and  George  III  may  profit  by  their  example ;  if  this  be 
treason,  make  the  most  of  it,  "  had  let  his  mantle  fall  upon  his  kinsman, 
and  left  to  him  an  inheritance  of  his  eloquence.  The  other  man,  a 
younger  one  perhaps,  slow  and  precise  in  speech,  held  in  his  hand  a 
tall  silk  hat,  which  had  just  been  removed  from  a  carefully  combed 
head  of  dark  brown  hair.  Of  medium  height,  with  cold,  grey  eyes,  his 
expression,  tone  of  voice,  manner,  dress,  and  even  his  nose,  indicated 
his  Puritan  origin.  You  might  almost  imagine  that  you  gazed  upon 
Plymouth  Rock  in  mid-winter,  so  cold  and  hard  he  seemed. 

Finally  the  discussion  became  more  heated,  and  the  cooler  man  said: 
"  Stranger,  it  seems  that  you  of  the  South  think  that  having  been  an  of 
ficer  in  the  Confederate  army  is  the  only  recommendation  a  man  need 
have  to  go  to  Congress  or  the  United  States  Senate.  " 

The  reply  came  quickly  and  fiercely  from  the  other.  "  We  think  no 
such  thing,  that  is  a  lie  and  you  know  it.  " 

Time  and  place  were  forgotten  and  passion  had  full  sway. 

"  I  guess  I  know  whereof  I  speak,  "  returned  he  of  the  tall  hat,  "and 
I  do  not  intend  to  permit  you  to  gainsay  it. ' 

"  I  repeat,  "  said  the  other,  stepping  one  step  forward,  "that  you 
have  knowingly  and  wilfully  uttered  a  cold  and  deliberate  falsehood." 

"  Oh,  I  see  no  use  in  fighting  about  it.  I— I—"  but  just  then  the 
attention  of  every  one  was  attracted  in  another  direction.  Even  the  dis 
putants  paused  and  looked  around,  as  "  I  command  the  peace, "  fell 
from  the  lips  of  an  aged  woman,  as  she  came  rapidly  towards  them 
from  the  rear  end  of  the  car. 

"  If  women  are  going  to  take  it  up,  "  said  the  younger  man,  "  I'll  sit 
down. " 

The  other  maintained  his  position  and  replied,  "  I  am  not  in  the  habit 
of  bandying  words  with  women.  " 

"  Yes,  take  your  seat,  "  said  the  woman  fiercely,  looking  at  the  first 
speaker  as  he  sank  down.  "  You  have  not  sense  enough  to  talk  poli 
tics,  and  you,  stranger,  "  turning  to  the  other,  "you  of  the  long  beard, 
where  are  you  from,  and  where  are  you  going  ?  " 

"  I  am  from  the  ^v//and  going  to  hell,  and  will  take  you  with  me,  " 
was  the  excited  reply. 


38  Ta/ioe:  or  Lije  in  California. 

"  Hush  up,  sir,  "  she  screamed  fiercely,  shaking  her  long,  bony  finger 
in  his  face,  "  hush  up  this  instant.  "  Again  he  essayed  to  speak,  again 
the  finger  approached  his  face,  and  again  the  "  hush  up,  sir, "  shrilled 
through  the  car.  She  looked  him  steadily  in  the  eye  ;  he  returned  the 
gaze  defiantly  at  first,  then  quailed  before  it,  and,  with  the  threatening 
finger  still  over  him,  he  sat  down  like  a  whipped  child,  amid  loud  roars 
of  laughter  and  cheers.  For  a  moment  she  stood  in  the  threatening  at 
titude,  then  seeing  that  he  was  completely  conquered,  she  turned  and 
said  :  "  My  mission  on  earth  is  peace.  If  I  have  offended  any  one  I 
beg  pardon,  "  and  walked  back  to  her  seat.  Thus  ended  a  farce  that 
was  never  equalled  upon  any  stage.  The  passengers  now  had  leisure 
to  observe  this  angel  of  an  enforced  peace  more  closely.  She  was  a 
veritable  witch  of  Endor.  Raw-boned,  wrinkled  and  swarthy,  with 
her  scant,  grey  hair  combed  in  the  latest  fashion,  that  is,  drawn  all  to 
the  top  of  the  head  and  arranged  in  an  oblong  twist,  upon  the  end  of 
which  rested  the  smallest  imaginable  bonnet,  trimmed  with  gay  flowers 
and  ribbons.  Her  dress  was  a  tight  pin -back  of  black  material,  fitting 
closely,  showing  the  fleshless,  angular  form.  All  felt  the  influence  of 
those  glassy  eyes,  and  thin,  compressed  lips.  No  whisper  or  murmur 
of  dissatisfaction  was  heard.  The  self-constituted  guardian  of  peace 
held  all  under  the  spell  of  her  magnetic  power,  and  if  any  one  had 
ought  to  say  against  his  neighbor  he  was  prudent  enough  to  suppress 
his  feelings.  Alice  would  have  given  much  for  a  photograph  of  the 
old  lady,  but  she  dared  not  ask  for  it  and  let  "  I  dare  not  wait  upon  I 
would,  like  the  poor  cat  in  the  adage.  "  The  passengers  wiped  the 
water  from  their  laughing  eyes,  as  the  shrill  scream  of  the  locomotive 
gave  warning  that  they  were  soon  to  be  in  motion  again. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  39 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Conspiracies  should  no  sooner  be  formed,  than  executed." 

"  Why,  howdy  do,  Griffin!  "  said  the  cashier  of  a  Montgomery  street 
bank.  "  Where  is  your  boss?  We  have  been  looking  for  him  here 
for  some  time." 

"  He  and  Miss  Alice  am  gone  to  Yosemite,"  replied  the  negro,  "  and 
sent  me  and  ole  womon  down  to  'Frisco  to  wait  till  he  come.  Tole  me 
to  ax  you  for  a  little  change,  to  las  till  he  get  here  next  week." 

"Certainly,  how  much  do  you  want?"  he  asked,  counting  out  some 
bills. 

"  Reckon  fifty  dollars  'bout  do,  sir.  Col.  Heartland  be  here  next 
week.  After  he  let  Miss  Alice  shop  awhile  and  see  something  of  the 
city  and  de  folks,  we  all  go  home,  to  Sierran  Villa,  at  Lake  Tahoe,  I  will 
be  so  glad.  I  so  tired  roamin  'round." 

"  You  and  your  master  have  good  credit  here.  Call  again,"  said  the 
cashier,  as  Griffin  left  the  bank. 

A  man  who  stood  near  the  door  followed  him.  "  That  banker  seems 
to  think  a  good  deal  of  you;"  he  said,  walking  carelessly  up  beside  the 
negro. 

"  Yes,  he  do,"  replied  Griffin  straightening  up  with  pride  ;  he  had 
orter,  too,  for  me  and  Massa  Heartland  hab  done  a  good  deal  for  him, 
us  most  made  him.  Massa  Heartland  puts  all  his  money  wid  him,  and 
I  most  frequently  totes  it  backwards  and  forwards.  Mighty  seldom  a 
man's  got  two  sich  good  frins  as  me  and  Massa  Heartland,  to  look  to 
in  immergencies  like  dat."  Whenever  Griffin  connected  his  own  name 
familiarly  with  Col.  Heartland's,  he  called  him  Massa  Heartland. 

"  Good  morning,"  and  Aldridge,  for  it  was  he,  walked  rapidly  away, 
delighted  with  the  information  that  he  had  gained.  He  went  imme 
diately  to  the  Palace  Hotel,  ascended  the  stairs  and  entered  Grubb's 
room  without  knocking. 


4-O  Tahoc:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Well,  what  news?"  asked  the  former  specimen  of  \.\\tgenus  tramp, 
now  raised  to  the  dignity  of  an  Honorable  Bilk. 

"  I  have  two  important  things  to  communcate.  In  the  first  place, 
I've  had  a  letter  from  Baltimore,  and  my  poor,  deserted  child  is  dead  ; 
died  several  years  ago,  in  Louisiana,  while  attending  school.  The  last 
link  that  bound  me  to  my  kind  is  severed,  and  henceforth  I  am  at 
your  service.  The  detectives  of  Baltimore  have  found  out  my  assumed 
name  and  residence,  which  makes  it  dangerous  for  me  to  remain  here 
longer.  I  have  concluded  to  throw  up  my  situation  and  lead  the  old 
life  again.  There  is  no  one  now  to  feel  the  degradation  but  myself. 
Had  I  known  this,  how  many  years  of  heartaches  and  agonies  might 
have  been  spared  me." 

"Throw  up  your  situation?  Why  man,  what  do  you  mean?  It  will 
be  a  long  time  before  any  of  your  Baltimore  accusers  will  be  known 
here.  Your  place  ought  to  be  good  for  at  least  a  couple  of  hundred 
thousand." 

"  You  don't  mean  to  say  that  I  shall  rob  the  bank  and  expose  myself 
to  new  dangers,  forcing  me  again  to  become  a  refuge  in  other  lands? 
Where  else  could  I  go  to?" 

"  I  will  show  you  how  to  do  the  thing  and  no  one  will  suspicion  or 
blame  will  attach  to  you,  but  of  this  presently.  What  other  news?" 

"  Well,  I  have  found  where  Heartland  deposits." 

"Where?"  said  Grubb's,  very  much  interested. 

"  On  Montgomery  street  with  the  bank  of   B .     I    learned  this 

from  a  negro  valet  of  his,  who  said   he  and  his   daughter  would  be 
here  next  week." 

"  Great  goodness!  We  must  be  quick,"  said  Grubbs,  drawing  a 
draft  on  the  paper  he  had,  above  the  name  of  Phillip  Heartland. 

"  Well,"  said  Aldridge,  "what  am  I  to  do?" 

"  Marry  that  girl  as  I  told  you.  If  nature  had  done  as  much  for  me 
old  fellow,  as  she  has  for  you,  I  would  never  ask  a  creeping  reptile, 
like  Grubbs,  to  tell  me  what  to  do,  in  a  case  like  this." 

"At  one  moment,  you  tell  me  to  rob  the  bank,  and  flee  with  the 
money;  at  another,  you  tell  me  to  marry  the  only  child  of  a  wealthy, 
honorable  gentleman  ;  a  young  lady  whom  I  never  saw  ;  I  am  at  a  loss 
to  understand  you.  How  is  all  this  to  be  done?" 

"  In  the  easiest  manner  possible.  Let  me  manage  it  and  it  shall  be 
proven  to  your  satisfaction."  The  two  men  now  separated  to  meet 
again  during  the  night. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  #  *  *  #  *  #  #  * 

Griffin  called,  on  the  morning  following,  at  the  bank  to  see  if  Col. 
Heartland  had  been  heard  from.  "  Nothing  direct,"  replied  the  banker, 


.Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  41 

in  answer  to  his  inquiry.  "But  Griffin,  he  is  drawing  pretty  heavily 
upon  us — two  large  drafts — one  yesterday  evening  and  one  early  this 
morning.  What  does  he  want  with  so  much  money,  just  traveling 
around?" 

"  Dunno,"  said  Griffin,  "You  know  Massa  Heartland  mighty  gen 
erous,  allers  helping  oders,  in  substantial  way,  too.  Not  wid  good 
wishes,  for  folks  can't  lib  on  dem,  but  wid  his  bottom  dollar,  some 
times.  Den  you  know,  dars  Miss  Alice,  she's  wid  him,  and  a  young 
lady  takes  sights  of  money." 

"Yet,  with  all  that,  Griffin,  I  do  not  see  why  he  can  be  drawing  so 
heavily,  unless  he  has  taken  a  fancy  to  Yosemite  and  is  buying  it.  I 
hope  he  won't  bring  his  sloshing  purchase  down  here,"  he  added 
laughingly,  as  he  saw  he  had  amused  Griffin. 

"  I  dont  reckon  he  will."  said  Griffin.  "Massa  Heartland  got  heep 
common  sense.  He  just  went  thar  to  please  Miss  Alice.  She's 
young,  you  know,  and  likes  to  see  sich  things.  'Stonishing  how  folks 
will  go  miles  and  miles,  and  spen  lots  ob  money,  to  see  a  parcel  of 
water  sloshing  about  in  all  sorts  of  ways.  He  didn't  do  it  dowto 
please  hisself,  it  was  forhisdarlin  chile's  sake.  Ain't  them  drafts  got 
his  own  printed  name  to  'em,  what  he  writ  hisself?" 

"Oh  yes,  his  signature  is  genuine,  Griffin.  We  compared  it  carefully 
to  the  one  we  have  on  file.  It  is  all  right,  only,  it  is  something  unusual 
for  him  to  draw  as  heavily,  when  out  of  the  city." 

"He's  all  right,"  said  the  valet,  as  he  bade  the  banker  good  morning. 


42  TaJwe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 


THE    BANK    ROBBING. 

''But  when  to  mischief  mortals  bend  their  will, 
How  soon  they  find  fit  instruments  of  ill." 

"  Be  quiet ;  would  you  awaken  every  one  in  the  house  ? "  said 
Grubbs,  in  an  undertone.  "  Put  the  gold  gently  in  the  bags  ;  there, 
that  is  enough  for  that  one,  fill  this.  Did  you  get  the  silver  exchanged 
for  paper  currency  as  I  told  you  ?  " 

"  Most  of  it,  "  replied  Aldridge. 

"  I  am  glad  of  that,  silver  would  be  very  inconvenient  for  us  to  han 
dle.  I  will  bury  this  at  the  place  we  selected  to-day,  and  there  it  must 
remain  until  the  excitement  wears  away,  then  we  will  divide.  Here, 
break  this  combination  lock,  also  the  key  .Leave  this  dark  lantern  here* 
and  place  this  old  hat  near  it,  Leave  these  burglar's  tools  on  the  safe, 
I  will  have  no  further  use  for  them  for  the  present,  and  besides,  I  can 
get  some  more  when  it  is  necessary.  Anything  now,  my  boy,  to  re 
lieve  you.  You  will  be  quite  a  hero.  Miss  Heartland  will  be  here  in 
the  city  soon,  she  will  admire  your  bravery,  and  will  be  already  half 
won,  when  she  learns  how  gallantly  you  defended  your  charge.  Wo 
men  are  given  to  hero  worship,  and  you  will  find  she  is  no  exception  to 
her  sex.  Seek  her  acquaintance  and  tell  your  tale  as  Othello  did  to  Des- 
demona,  and  your  fortune  is  made.  No  father's  authority,  or  friend's 
advice  can  keep  a  young  woman  from  loving  the  man  she  enthusiasti 
cally  admires.  Throw  around  you  the  garb  of  knighthood  and  the 
prize  is  yours,  without  a  doubt.  But  now,  to  the  disagreeable  part 
of  this  little  plan.  Your  face  and  hands  must  be  cut  and  bruised,  so 
as  to  bleed  some,  but  not  too  much  ;  there,  that  will  do.  Now  over 
this  eye,  here  on  this  hand.  Now  cut  off  some  of  your  hair  and  strew 
it  around,  as  if  it  were  pulled  out  in  a  scuffle.  There,  that  will  do.  This 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  43 

would  have  fooled  Phillip  Heartland  in  the  best  days  of  his  district  at- 
torneyship.  Now  place  this  half-filled  bottle  of  chloroform  where  you 
can  kick  it  over  as  you  give  the  alarm.  Now  drop  the  sheep's  blood 
from  this  bottle  to  the  door  and  down  the  stairs.  Throw  these  old 
shoes  out  there  also,  that  it  may  appear  there  were  several  robbers, 
and  they  left  without  shoes.  In  this  way  bare  foot-tracks  will  be  looked 
for.  Now  all  is  ready,  and  I  will  leave  you.  Take  care  you  give  me 
good  time  to  effect  my  escape,  "  said  he,  tying  Aldridge's  hands  be 
hind  him,  and  then  securely  fastening  him  to  the  bedstead.  "  This 
gag  I  will  leave  here  on  the  mantle,  with  the  end  so  arranged  you  can 
take  it  in  your  mouth  without  the  assistance  of  your  hands.  Now  try 
it.  That  does  nicely.  When  I  am  safe  pull  the  bedstead  after  you 
until  you  can  reach  the  house  alarm,  touch  it  with  your  foot,  put  the 
gag  in  your  mouth,  kick  over  the  bottle  of  chloroform,  and  all  will  go 
right,  my  word  for  it.  " 

He  left  Aldridge  writhing  with  pain  from  the  cuts  and  bruises  made 
upon  him,  and  loaded  with  all  the  money  the  bank  contained,  walked 
rapidly  away. 

After  giving  Grubbs  a  reasonable  time  to  effect  his  safety,  Aldridge 
placed  his  foot  upon  the  alarm.  It  rang  out  clear  and  loud  through 
the  building,  and  soon  crowds  were  on  the  spot.  The  excitement 
knew  no  bounds.  With  eager  curiosity  Aldridge's  statement  was  lis 
tened  to,  and  every  precaution  taken  to  capture  the  daring  burglars. 
The  police  turned  out  in  full  force  and  every  assistance  was  rendered 
by  the  citizens,  but  all  in  vain.  Grubbs  had  escaped  and  Aldridge  was 
left  a  hero. 

The  wounded  cashier  was  carried  to  the  house  of  the  president  of  the 
bank,  and  every  kind  attention  bestowed  upon  him.  Ladies  of  \vealth 
and  beauty  vied  with  each  other  to  do  him  honor,  and  fruits,  flowers 
and  every  little  delicacy  to  tempt  the  appetite,  flowed  in  like  streams 
from  every  source.  The  bank  directors  presented  him  with  a  gold 
medal  in  token  of  their  appreciation  of  his  valiant,  though  unsuccessful, 
defense  against  a  band  of  desperate  burglars,  and  every  periodical  in 
the  city  was  filled  with  complimentary  editorials.  Aldridge  accep 
ted  all  these  courtesies  as  a  matter  of  course.  Thus  flattered  and  ca 
ressed  he  gradually  recovered  from  his  wounds.  He  spent  his  time  in 
reading  and  riding  about  the  city.  As  soon  as'  he  was  able  to  walk 
out  alone  he  made  a  visit  to  the  place  selected  by  himself  and  Grubbs 
where  the  treasure  was  to  have  been  buried,  and  looking  cautiously 
about  him  until  assured  no  prying  eyes  were  directed  to  him,  he  dug 
up  the  box.  It  was  light,  and  on  being  opened  contained  only  a  note, 
which  ran :  "  Tit  for  tat,  old  boy.  Fearing  the  money  might  bring 


44  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

you  trouble  I  have  put  it  out  of  harm's  way.  You  did  me  a  like  favor 
in  Baltimore.  But  you  are  a  hero  and  the  gal's  in  view,  so  go  ahead.  I 
leave  San  Francisco  to-night  forever.  " 

Aldridge  grew  sick  and  faint.  "  A  dupe  !  "  he  said,  "  a  miserable 
dupe !  " 

With  difficulty  he  made  his  way  back  to  his  friend's  house.  A  fever 
was  the  consequence,  and  again  every  care  and  attention  was  lavished 
upon  him.  For  days  he  lay  in  a  stupor,  and  his  life  almost  despaired  of, 
but  a  strong  constitution  conquered  and  he  slowly  recovered.  Again 
favors  rained  upon  him,  until  he  was  completely  surfeited  with  the 
world's  applause  and  delicate  luxuries.  Time  brought  him  upon  his 
feet  again,  only  to  remind  him  that  he  was  out  of  funds  and  moving  in 
a  society  that  demanded  a  certain  style  of  living,  which  money  alone 
could  insure.  Hence,  he  was  forced  to  devise  some  means  of  sustain 
ing  himself.  He  could  not  longer  live  upon  the  bounty  of  his  friends 
and  admirers,  without  losing  their  respect. 

•'  I  must  find  Grubbs,  "  he  said,  "  I  believe  this  dodge  of  his  to  be  all 
a  blind,  arid  he  is  hid  away  somewhere  in  the  city.  Why  did  I  rely  so 
implicitly  upon  his  profession,  knowing  the  man,  as  I  had  good  cause 
to  do,  to  be  altogether  unscrupulous  and  foreign  to  every  virtuous 
principle  ?  Grubbs  is  a  man  hard  to  understand,  and  one  who  keeps 
his  own  secrets,  but  I  will  get  the  best  of  him  yet.  He  is  in  this  city, 
and  I  am  bound  to  find  him.  I  have  only  to  hunt  and  watch, "  and  he 
did. 

His  surmises  proved  correct.  Grubbs  had  secured  lodging  in  a  re 
mote  and  squallid  part  of  the  city.  He  had  put  his  treasure  out  of 
harm's  way,  and  was  acting  as  a  roper  for  a  gambling  hell. 

Aldridge  followed  him  up,  and  came  down  upon  him  in  his  den. 
Grubbs  \vas  taken  by  surprise,  but  he  had  had  too  many  ups  and  downs 
in  the  world  to  evince  any.  His  hard  face  and  features  underwent  no 
change,  and  with  a  smile  he  bade  Aldridge  be  seated.  Aldridge  up 
braided  him  for  his  treachery,  and  demanded  his  share  of  the  money. 
Grubbs  feigned  poverty  and  invited  him  to  join  in  with  him  again. 
Aldridge  stormed  and  raved,  until  Grubbs,  becoming  uneasy  as  to  his 
safety,  fearing  treachery  on  the  part  of  his  accomplice,  gave  him  a 
small  sum  of  money  and  promised  more.  After  a  long,  earnest  con 
ference  between  them,  they  finally  made  satisfactory  terms  and  united 
to  live  the  old  life  again. 


lalioc:  or  Life  tn  California.  45 


CHAPTER  IX. 


•'Could  you  but  view  the  scenery  fair, 

That  now  beneath  my  window  lies, 
You  d  think  that  nature  lavished  there. 

Her  purest  breath,  her  brightest  skies." 

Col.  Heartland  and  Alice  left  the  train  at  Merced,  and  after  several 
hours  of  staging,  they  reached  Clarke's  Ranche.  The  journey  through 
the  country,  in  the  pure,  cool  air  of  the  morning,  was  particulary  re 
freshing,  and  the  quietness  of  all  around,  brought  rest  to  the  wearied 
travellers.  We  find  them  after  a  hasty  launch,  wandering  among  the 
giant  trees  of  Mariposa.  These  wonders  visited,  they  pass  on  by  In 
spiration  or  Glacier  Point,  to  the  Bridal  Veil,  El  Capitain,  Cathedral 
Rocks  and  Spires.  The  Three  Brothers  and  Sentinel  Dome,  were  in 
deed  wonders  to  Alice,  and  many  an  enthusiastic  exclamation  escaped 
her  lips. 

Col.  Heartland's  enjoyment  consisted  in  watching  the  delight  of  his 
beloved  daughter.  He  never  seemed  to  tire  of  talking  to  her  of  the 
beauty  and  grandeur  of  all  the  scenery  passed,  and  time  fled  so  swiftly 
ere  they  were  aware  they  had  reached  one  of  the  hotels  opposite  Yos- 
emite  Falls. 

A  night  of  unbroken  sleep  was  followed  by  a  morning  of  beauty. 
After  a  hearty  breakfast,  a  start  was  made  for  Mirror  Lake,  which 
they  visited,  together  with  the  Vernal  and  Nevada  Falls,  and  returned 
to  their  hotel,  to  enjoy  its  hospitality,  and  to  took  again  upon  the  Yos- 
emite  Falls,  one  of  the  greatest  wonders  of  this  land  of  wonders. 
Beauty  of  beauties,  whose  crystal,  moving,  sparkling  waters,  flow  on 
and  on  in  the  same  gurgling,  foaming  and  cerulean  stream;  the  eye 
never  wearies  in  admiring  them  ;  the  tongue  will  ever  sing  praises  as 
long  as  time  lasts  and  a  being  remains  to  gaze  upon  the  splendor. 

"Father,  do  you  see  that  lady   on   the  gallery  there?"  asked   Alice, 


46  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

pointing  to  an  elegantly  dressed  woman,  who  sat  upon  a  settee,  near 
the  window.  "She  seems  deeply  distressed.  I  will  go  to  her ;  see,  her 
eyes  are  swollen  with  weeping !  Let  us  see  if  we  can  aid  her  in  any 
way?"  They  walked  towards  her,  and  Col.  Heartland  bowing  said: 

"  Madam,  pardon  our  intrusion,  but  my  daughter  and  I  have  come 
to  see  if  we  can  serve  you.     You  seem  grieved,  if  our  sympathies  are 
worth  anything,  you  have  them.     In  what  way  can  I  aid  you?" 
"You  can  go  down  and  kick  the  landlord  out  of  his  hotel,"  replied  the 
offended  one,  bursting  into  a  fresh  flood  of  tears. 

Col.  Heartland  was  scarcely  prepared  to  comply  with  this  modest 
request,  and  Alice  noticed  that  a  smile  flitted  over  his  face.  She 
stuffed  a  handerchief  in  her  mouth  to  stay  the  ill-concealed  mirth.  He 
steadied  his  voice  and  said  softly: 

"  What  has  he  done  to  so  seriously  wound  a  lady?" 

"  What  has  he  done?"  said  she,  almost  screaming.  "What  has  he 
done?  Why  he  wouldn't  let  Dot  come  to  the  first  table,  and  I  would 
not  go,  if  Dot  could  not.  Dot  is  just  as  good  as  anybody,  and  my 
husband  will  resent  the  insult  as  soon  as  he  comes,"  tears  again 
choking  her  utterance.  "  You  would,  if  you  had  any  gallantry." 

"  Calm  yourself,  Madam,  and  tell  me  who  Dot  is." 

"  Don't  you  know  Dot?  I  thought  everybody  knew  Dot.  I  know 
Dot,  just  as  well,  and  better  too,  than  anybody,  and  know  that  such 
treatment  will  kill  him."  And  again  there  was  a  fit  of  uncontrollable 
weeping.  When  she  grew  a  little  calmer,  Col.  Heartland  said: 

"  But  you  did  not  tell  me  who  Dot  is?  " 

"  He  is  sick  now,  "  she  sobbed,  "  and  I  was  up  with  him  all  of  last 
night,  getting  the  fleas  off  of  him  and  giving  him  medicine  from  my  sil 
ver  cup  and  spoon ;  then  to  think  he  was  not  allowed  a  seat  at  the 
first  table.  Oh  !  it  will  kill  me,  it  will  break  my  heart,  it  will,  "  and  she 
sobbed  hysterically.  Finally  wiping  her  swollen  eyes,  she  took  from 
a  lunch  basket  beside  her  a  small  jar  of  butter  and  a  piece  of  bread, 
and  began  spreading  the  butter  over  the  bread. 

Col.  Heartland  and  Alice,  now  thoroughly  interested,  stood  near 
watching  her  movements.  Then  calling,  "  Dot,  Dot,  "  a  little  white 
poodle  sprang  through  the,  parlor  door  and  leaping  into  her  lap,  began 
to  eat  the  bread.  Col.  Heartland  was  turning  away  disgusted,  when 
a  little  child,  following  the  dog,  laid  its  hand  upon  it.  The  dog  gave  a 
growl,  the  woman  seized  the  child,  slapped  its  face  severely,  and  letting 
it  .go  said,  "  I'll  teach  you  how  to  fret  Dot!  He  is  not  used  to  children, 
and  he  shan't  be  imposed  on  by  anybody.  I'll  show  you  how  to 
frighten  Dot  again! " 

The  screams  of  the  child  brought  the  mother  in  an  instant.     They 


Talwe:  or  Life  in  California.  47 

met,  and  both  women,  Dot,  bread  and  butter,  lunch  basket  and  all, 
came  to  the  floor  in  mingled  confusion.  Dot  disenganed  himself  and 
stood  at  one  side  barking  furiously,  the  screaming  child  on  the  other 
side  as  his  vts-a-vis.  Hairpins,  combs,  and  braids  flew  in  every  direc 
tion,  while  Col.  Heartland  retreated  with  his  daughter,  leaving  the  in 
furiated  combatants  to  be  separated  by  the  approaching  landlord.  Just 
before  leaving  the  Falls  next  morning  he  learned  that  the  poodle  wor 
shiper  was  the  wife  of  one  of  San  Francisco's  wealthiest  citizens,  while 
the  challenged  party  bore  the  honored  name  of  a  well-known  bonanza 
man. 


48  Tahoc:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  X 


vl  O  !  never  yet  did  peace  her  chaplet  twine, 
To  lay  upon  base  Mammon's  sordid  shrine.  " 

Long  before  the  sun  looked  out  above  the  mountain  peaks  to  shed  his 
genial  rays  upon  the  beautiful  valleys  below  whose  green,  grassy  slopes 
sparkled  with  dew  drops,  Alice  and  her  father  were  again  seated  in  a 
silver  palace  car,  westward  bound. 

"The  train  is  very  much  crowded  to-day,  is  it  not,  father?"  said 
Alice. 

"Yes,  the  emigration  is  so  great  towards  the  west  that,  notwithstand 
ing  they  run  as  many  trains  as  possible  over  the  route,  they  are  always 
crowded.  It  will  be  a  blessing  to  our  land  when  the  Texas  Pacific  road 
shall  have  been  completed,  for  then  the  emigrant  can  find  his  way 
readily  and  cheaply  to  our  desirable  State." 

"  But,  sir,  pardon  me,  it  will  be  a  great  curse  to  the  South  and  West 
for  it  will  take  from  them  their  most  valuable  population, "  said  a 
stranger  near  by. 

Col.  Heartland  looked  up,  and  seeing  before  him  a  kindly  benevolent 
face,  replied  :  "  That  is  true,  but  then  they  can  have  some  of  our  Chi 
namen  in  exchange.  " 

"  Are  you  sure  that  would  be  any  advantage  to  them  ?  I  have  my 
doubts  about  these  Chinamen.  I  fear  they  will  not  be  a  permanent 
advantage  to  any  country.  " 

"As  to  that,  "  said  Col.  Heartland,  "  they  have  made  California  what 
she  is.  They  planted  her  vineyards,  orchards  and  beautiful  avenues. 
They  have  performed  the  drudgery  of  the  country,  and  now,  that  ev 
erything  is  teeming  with  life  and  beauty,  there  seems  to  be  a  great  de 
sire  to  expel  them  from  the  Paradise  they  have  created.  " 

"  I  see,  sir,  that  you  are  in  favor  of  the  Chinamen,  "  said  the  stran 
ger. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  49 

"  I  am,  sir,  to  a  certain  extent.  I  think  their  working  qualities  will 
benefit  any  country.  They  are  a  simple,  unobtrusive  race  ;  perfect 
working  automatons,  knowing  nothing  but  labor,  and  caring  for  little 
else.  With  no  aspiration  to  equality,  either  social  or  political,  '  they 
'pursue  the  even  tenor  of  their  way,  unmolesting  if  unmolested. '  " 
"  Are  they  honest,  neat  and  faithful  ?  " 

"  In  these  particulars,  like  the  white  race,  they  differ.  Some  are  ex 
tremely  cleanly,  others  the  reverse  ;  some  are  honest  and  some  are  not; 
some  are  treacherous,  while  others  are  noted  for  fidelity.  I  have  a  boy 
who  has  been  with  me  seven  years.  I  never  knew  a  more  honest  and 
faithful  creature.  I  sometimes  leave  my  house  with  him  alone  for 
weeks,  and  on  my  return  find  everything  as  it  should  be.  As  servants 
they  excel  any  in  the  world,  even  the  blacks.  " 
"  What  of  their  religion,  or  have  they  any  ?  " 

"  Generally  it  is  a  mixture  of  heathenism  and  superstition.  Most  of 
them  worship  idols — graven  images.  After  coming  here,  they  are 
sometimes  converted  to  the  Christian  religion,  cut  off  their  queues  and 
wear  the  Christian  attire.  There  are  still,  however  in  China,  the  re 
mains  of  a  sect,  known  as  the  "nameless  sect."  The  Chinese  govern 
ment,  has  always  persecuted  them  in  such  a  manner,  that  they  have 
for  the  most  part  practiced  their  religion  in  caves,  protecting  it  by  se 
crecy.  They  live  moral  lives,  and  treat  the  Christian  missionaries  with 
the  greatest  respect.  They  are  numerous  all  over  China,  particularly 
in  the  Province  of  Shangtung.  They  are  supposed  to  be  the  remains 
of  the  Nestorian  church,  that  was  planted  there  hundreds  of  years  ago 
by  the  Nestorian  missionaries.  The  sword  of  the  Mussulman  has 
swept  over  them,  but  still  there  are  many  left  who  are  now  looking  for 
a  "Deliverer"  as  earnestly  as  their  forefathers  did,  from  the  seventh  to 
the  thirteenth  century." 

"Here  are  the  old  mining  regions  of  1848-49,"  said  an  elderly  man 
looking  from  the  window,  upon  the  gulleyed  hills  beyond.  "It  was 
here,  "  continued  he,  "that  the  surface  mining  was  carried  on  in  those 
days,  when  I  first  came  to  California.  Here,  those  who  left  their 
homes  to  hunt  gold,  spent  their  labor  ;  some  dying,  some  returning 
sadly  disappointed,  and  a  few  finding  sufficient  of  the  far  sought  treas 
ure,  to  remunerate  them  for  all  they  had  sacrificed  in  search  of  it." 
•Many  hunted,  sweat  and  bled  for  gold.'  Gold!  The  wild  cry  shook 
the  Eastern  cities  to  their  center,  and  thousands  toiled  their  way  west 
ward  in  search  of  it.  Some  crossed  the  plains,  over  mountains  and 
deserts,  long  before  the  railroads  were  in  anticipation.  Others  went 
by  the  ocean  and  gulf,  crossing  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  to  reach  the 
4 


50  Tahoc:  or  Life  in  California. 

promised  land.  San  Francisco  was  but  a  mining  camp  through  which 
they  passed  to  reach  the  longed  for  districts.  Tarrying  there  only 
long  enough  for  supplies,  they  crossed  the  Bay  and  sought  in  the  far 
interior,  Eldorado.  We  now  look  upon  all  that  is  left  of  their  long 
since  abandoned  field  of  operations.  Deep  gullies  dug  by  the  miners 
pick  in  the  barren  hillsides,  a  few  trees  and  but  a  little  grass  are  to  be 
seen.  Hydraulic  power  was  used  to  wash  the  earth  from  its  resting 
place,  and  float  it  onward  to  a  more  convenient  situation,  where  the 
metal  could  be  separated  from  the  mass  of  mud  and  the  water  that  ac 
companied  it.  The  surface  of  the  earth  being  thus  all  dug  and  washed 
away,  the  substrata  contained  but  little  or  no  more  gold.  These  re 
gions  are  now  wild  and  deserted  again,  and  the  miner's  pick  is  heard 
no  more  among  them.  But  he  still  toils  beneath  the  surface  of  the 
Sierra  Nevada  and  other  mountains." 

"And  there,"  continued  the  old  gentleman,  whose  hair  was  silvered 
by  age,  but  whose  eye  shone  brightly,  whose  wit  and  good  humor  had 
more  than  once  relieved  the  weariness  of  travel,  pointing  to  a  distant 
hillside;  "there  is  a  spot  of  particular  interest  to  me.  When  I  was 
a  young  man,  I  lived  in  Mississippi,  the  gem  of  the  Gulf  coast.  I  fol 
lowed  many  others  to  this  land  of  the  West  of  which  I  had  heard  so 
many  golden  stories.  More  beautiful  than  the  creation  of  the  Arabian 
Nights  were  my  bright  imaginings. 

"Before  starting  on  my  journey,  I  went  to  bid  her  farewell , whose 
girlish  troth,  was  mine.  Young  and  beautiful  as  an  Houri,  and  to  my 
fevered  fancy,  altogether  lovely,  it  cost  me  no  little  pain  to  leave  be 
hind  me  this  being,  more  dear  than  life  itself.  With  tears  in  her  bright 
eyes,  she  spoke  her  words  of  parting,  and  placed  in  my  hand  a  daguer 
reotype,  telling  me  she  would  look  for  my  return,  oh  !  how  anxiously. 
Those  words  rang  in  my  ears,  and  that  precious  picture  was  cherished 
as  more  than  any  other  earthly  treasure.-  I  left,  feeling  that  Aladdin's 
wonderful  lamp  was  in  my  grasp,  so  soon  as  I  should  reach 
California,  and  I  had  but  to  rub  it  and  my  Genii  would  come  with 
myriads  of  golden  coins.  Alas,  for  human  disappointments  !  I 
reached  yonder  spot  without  a  dollar,  my  bright  dreams  fading  before 
pressing  realities.  There  was  nothing  in  prospect,  but  hard  work. 
Hope  cheered  me  on,  until,  one  night  after  a  hard  day's  work, 
we  gathered  in  our  camp  around  our  frugal  meal  of  smoked  fish  and 
doughy  bred.  A  few  Mississippians,  here  together,  we  felt  somewhat 
confidential,  and  began  to  talk  of  the  dear  ones  left  behind.  One 
young  man  boasted  that  his  beloved  one  was  the  prettiest  girl  in  the 
grand  old  State.  I  could  not  stand  the  challenge,  and  drew  forth  my 
daguerreotype  and  laid  it  upon  the  board  table.  He  grew  pale  as  he 


TaJioc:  or  Life  in  California.  51 

laid  another  beside  it.  A  third  companion  stepped  up  and .  laid  down 
another,  then  a  fourth  and  a  fifth.  We  all  stood  mute  and  painfully 
motionless,  as  we  looked  upon  the  fair  faces — for  they  were  all  the 
same.  Not  word  of  comment  or  regret  escaped  any  of  us.  We  were 
too  startled,  even  to  think.  But  after  awhile  we  slowly  gathered  up 
the  terrible  revelations  and  buried  them  deeply  in  a  mining  cut.  The 
next  mail  brought  us  letters  from  home,  and  among  other  news  was 
that  of  the  marriage  of  our  adorable,  to  the  man  who  had  sense 
enough  to  stay  at  home.  Such  is  the  romance  of  yonder  hillside, 
where  once  stood  our  mining  camp,  and  such  is  human  nature.  Young 
gentlemen,  if  any  of  you  have  photographs  in  your  side  pockets,  draw 
and  compare,  nor  wait  until  you  have  worked  and  worn  your  soul  case 
out  for  a  girl  who  has,  perhaps,  sent  you  off  that  she  may  marry  some 
one  else  in  peace." 

"Your  experience  has  been  a  bitter  one,"  remarked  Col.  Heartland. 
"  No,  no,"  said  he,  "  it  was  the  best  thing  that  ever  happened  to  me. 
It  brought  me  to  my  senses.  I  have  never  dreamed  of  gold  or  hunted 
for  it  since.  I  purchased  a  piece  of  land,  and  now  have  one  of  the 
largest  wheat  ranches  in  the  state  ;  a  wife,  handsome  and  true-hearted, 
and  some  lovely  daughters,  whom  I  have  tried  to  teach  not  to  have 
but  one  string  to  their  bows  at  a  time.  But  it  goes  sorely  against  their 
womanly  natures.  Two  noble  sons  to  do  me  credit,  and  who  have 
been  fortunate  enough  to  find  girls,  whose  pictures  were  not  in  every 
man's  pocket.  Pshaw!  Tell  me  about  love  killing  anybody.  It  never 
did.  I've  tried  it,  and  it  only  gives  zest  to  after  life." 

Alice  listened  with  attention,  and  wondered  if  he  did  not  jest  about 
the  wickedness  of  womankind.     She  sat  musing  until  the  first  stranger 
who  had  addressed  her  father,  attracted   her   attention,  by  renewing 
the  conversation.     He  said  to  Col.  Heartland. 
"  Were  you  ever  in  Wyoming?" 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply,  "but  I  passed  directly  through  without  stop 
ping." 

"  Well,  I  stopped  there  to  my  sorrow." 
"  How  was  that?" 

"  A  number  of  years  ago  I  left  Ohio  to  settle  in  the  West.  I  reached 
Wyoming.  The  country  pleased  me.  The  lands  were  cheap  and  I 
purchased  a  large  tract.  I  was  successful,  and  soon  had  herds  of  cat 
tle,  sheep  and  horses,  as  well  as  money  plenty.  Then  the  woman's 
voting  law  was  passed.  They  became  lawyers,  doctors,  legislators  and 
judges.  Every  avenue  of  life  was  open  to  them  and  they  crowded  in 
like  bees.  The  tide  of  female  immigration  was  immense.  Without 
law,  order  or  justice,  they  took  possession  of  the  land.  One  woman 


52  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

claimed  my  cattle  and  sent  her  herdsmen  for  them.  I  appealed  to  the 
courts,  but  a  woman  judge  and  a  jury  of  women  decided  the  case  in 
her  favor.  I  asked  why,  and  was  told  that  it  was  because  she  wanted 
them,  and  that  I  ought  to  be  ashamed  of  myself  to  go  to  law  when  a 
woman  wanted  anything.  Thus  encouraged,  a  few  weeks  after  she 
wanted  my  sheep.  Knowing  how  useless  it  would  be  to  resist,  I  sat 
quietly  on  the  fence  and  saw  them  driven  off,  wondering  what  she 
would  want  next.  " 

"  Where  was  this  ?  "  asked  a  tall,  gaunt  woman  in  the  car.  "  I  say, 
stranger,  where  is  this  that  women  that  have  such  nice  rights  ?  " 

"In  Wyoming,  ma'am, "  replied  he. 

"  I  wish  I  had  stopped  there,  "  she  said,  "but  go  on,  I  like  to  hear 
about  it  if  I  can't  have  no  rights.  Go  on.  " 

Col.  Heartland  smiled,  and  Alice  wondered  at  the  coarseness  of  the 
woman. 

"  Go  on,  I  say,  I  want  to  hear.  " 

"  Well,  my  horses  came  next.  I  tried  to  hide  them,  but  they  were 
found  and  went  like  the  rest.  " 

"  I  believe,  "  said  the  woman,  "  I'll  go  right  back  to  Wyoming.  It's 
the  best  place  I've  heard  of.  Go  on,  stranger,  what  else?  " 

"Finally,  "  continued  he,  "  I  was  informed  that  I  must  divest  my 
self  of  my  land  titles  in  favor  of  a  woman,  and  all  because  she  was  a 
woman." 

"  Glorious  !  Glorious  !  "  cried  the  excited  female.     "  Go  on,  go  on.  " 

"I  consulted  a  lawyer.  It  was  a  woman  case,  and  I  must  give  it  up. 
I  went  before  a  female  justice  of  the  peace  and  signed  the  deed  that 
had  been  prepared  by  her  attorneyship.  Then,  as  no  woman  wanted 
to  pay  my  board  bill,  I  was  compelled  to  go  to  work.  I  sought  a  place 
and  was  told  by  a  woman  that  she  would  give  me  three  dollars  per 
month  to  clean  up  the  house,  do  the  sewing,  cook  wash,  iron,  and  work 
in  the  garden  occasionally,  and  attend  to  the  children  at  night  while 
she  was  gone  to  the  club.  Disgusted  and  discouraged  I  employed 
myself  as  a  brakesman  on  the  road,  and  worked  my  way  to  California, 
where  the  rights  of  men  are  more  respected.  I  am  again  the  master  of 
a  home  and  a  few  pleasant  surroundings. " 

"  Come  over  here,  "  said  the  woman  who  had  before  spoken,  "  come 
over  here  and  tell  me  more  about  those  talented,  thorough-going, 
Wyoming  women.  "  He  obeyed,  and  they  were  soon  engaged  in  close 
conversation. 

"  Who  is  she  ?"  Col.  Heartland  asked  of  ^he  gentleman  who  had  told 
them  the  story  of  the  daguerreotype  in  the  early  days  of  California. 

"  She  is  a  teacher  for  whom  we   advertised,  "  said   he.     "  I  do  not 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  53 

know  how  my  wife  will  like  her.  I  don't  think  she  will  like  her  altogether. 
I  went  to  Ogden  to  meet  her,  as  she  wrote  me  she  was  afraid  to  come 
all  the  way  alone.  She  has  been  courting  all  the  way,  first  one  man 
and  then  another.  We  have  had  a  time  about  teachers.  Our  bach 
elor  neighbors  marry  them  as  fast  as  we  can  bring  them  out.  I  do  not 
care  to  be  a  wife  agent.  Besides,  if  we  go  to  the  trouble  of  getting  a 
teacher  I  want  to  keep  her  a  little  while  at  any  rate.  " 

"You  will  keep  this  one,  "  said  Col.  Heartland,  naively  glancing  at 
her. 

"  I  hope  so,  "  said  the  other,  looking  in  the  same  direction. 

"  What  a  terribly  ugly  woman,  "  thought  both,  and  they  rode  on 
in  silence.  Col.  Heartland  thought  of  the  advertisement  he  had  an 
swered  and  shuddered. 

The  scenery  they  were  passing  was  beautiful,  and  the  most  of  the 
passengers  were  looking  out  of  the  car  windows  enjoying  it,  when  a 
shrill  voice  from  a  party  they  had  not  noticed  before,  caused  Alice  to 
look  around. 

"  No,  indeed,  ole  man,  no  sirree  Bob.  My  eddycated  daughter  marry 
a  farmer,  a  common  workin'  man,  no,  indeed.  I'll  set  you  up  and 
down  with  that,  so  you  can  jest  dry  up  about  that.  " 

"  I  think,  "  said  the  old  man,  "  it  would  be  good  enough  for  Matilda 
Jane  I  am  a  farmer,  and  you  married  mighty  well,  ole  'oman.  " 

"  Why,  Hubby,  iMatilda  Jane  spent  two  years  in  North  Carliny  stud 
ying  graduate,  and  can  play  '  Chicken  in  the  Dough  Tray'  and  lots  of 
other  things  on  the  piany.  She  must  raise  her  family  up  higher,  not 
pull  'em  down.  She  is  good  enough  to  spend  the  balance  of  her  days 
at  the  Palace  Hotel.  She  must  marry  a  gold  dealing  man.  " 

"  You  mean  a  stock  broker.  " 

"  No,  I  don't,  I  want  nothing  to  do  with  stock,  I  am  tired  of  horses, 
cattle  and  hogs.  I  mean  just  what  I  said,  a  gold  dealing  man.  You 
have  broke  enough  stock  for  me,  and  I  was  glad  when  we  sold  the 
farm  in  North  Caroliny,  with  all  the  stock,  and  started  to  Californy.  I 
have  rted  enough  of  stock,  "  and  her  nose  struck  an  angle  of  forty-five 
degrees.  "  Moreover,  "  she  continued,  "  I've  took  too  much  pains  with 
Matilda  Jane  to  throw  her  away  on  a  nobody.  I  never  'lows  her  to 
wash  dishes  or  spile  her  hands  in  any  way  'tall,  'cause  she  is  a  borned 
lady.  But  Mary  Liza  can  marry  a  farmer  and  take  to  raising  poultry 
and  hiving  bees.  " 

Mary  Liza  took  the  floor  in  a  twinkling,  her  fading  eyes  brightening 
with  indignation,  and  her  rawboned  form  straightening  to  its  full 
height.  "  Me  indeed  !  Yes,  me  indeed  !"  she  exclaimed,  fairly  chok 
ing  with  wrath,  "  anything  is  good  enough  for  Mary  Liza,  poor  drudge! 


54  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

That  lazy  Matilda  Jane  can't  wash  dishes,  can't  do  anything  that  is 
useful.  I  must  wash,  iron  and  cook,  churn,  milk,  hoe,  scour,  and  sew 
on  the  buttons,  too,  and  all  for  the  whole  of  you,  "  she  screamed,  "and 
then  I  must  marry  so  that  I  will  be  a  drudge  the  rest  of  my  life.  A 
fine  way  you  all  treat  me,  but  I'll  watch  you,  I'll  sev.  out  for  myself. 
I'll  see  then  who'll  do  the  work  to  save  Matilda  Jane's  pretty  hands. 
I  am  coming  to  California  to  marry  a  gold  mine  man,  and  I'm  going 
to  stay  until  I  get  him.  I  aint  going  on  no  farm,  I'm  going  right  to 
'Frisco,  I  am  too,  now,  I  am  too,  now,  "  and  she  sat  down  sobbing  bit 
terly. 

There  were  two  more  daughters  over  thirty  years  of  age,  who  sat 
bold  upright  and  looked  at  Matilda  Jane.  She  returned  their  gaze 
with  a  defiant  toss  of  her  head  and  a  supercilious  smile,  which  made 
them  more  angry  than  ever.  In  imagination  she  had  already  married 
the  gold-dealing  man.  A  few  moments  after  she  said  aloud  :  "  I  de 
spise  old  maids,  I  wish  them  old  jealous  sisters  of  mine  could  catch  a 
fellow  or  two. " 

All  three  flew  at  her  like  a  parcel  of  furies.  The  struggle  became  a 
family  one.  Mother,  father  and  two  strong-armed  brothers  rescued 
the  darling  Matilda  Jane,  on  condition  that  she  would  "  hold  her 
tongue  "  the  rest  of  the  way.  This  she  consented  to  do,  and  the  brothers 
got  them  all  quiet  again. 

This  family  were  totally  oblivious  of  all  others  except  themselves, 
and  the  amusement  of  the  passengers  knew  no  bounds.  Alice  laughed 
until  the  tears  streamed  down  her  cheeks,  and  even  Col.  Heartland 
gave  way  to  uncontrollable  mirth. 

They  were  nearing  Sacramento,  near  which  place  the  hero  of  the 
Wyoming  story  was  to  leave  the  train.  The  elderly  gentleman  was 
jiot  more  surprised  than  gratified  when  his  advertised-for  teacher  in 
formed  him  that  she  would  be  married  in  Sacramento,  to  the  man  of 
her  choice,  the  next  day.  After  a  little  while  she  came  to  him  again 
to  say  that  if  there  was  a  preacher  on  the  train,  they  would  be  married 
immediately.  A  minister  was  found,  and  the  two  standing  before  him 
were  made  one,  much  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  travelling  community. 
The  baggage  checks  were  demanded,  and  gladly  were  they  given  to 
the  newly  made  husband.  They  reached  the  station  and  departed  for 
their  home,  while  the  amused  passengers  were  borne  on  toward  the 
capital  of  the  Golden  State. 

"  To  the  Orleans  House,  "  said  Col.  Heartland,  taking  his  seat  beside 
Alice  in  the  carriage. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  55 


CHAPTER  XL 


"Books  are  men  of  higher  stature, 
And  the  only  men  that  speak  aloud  for  future  times  to  hear." 

"  Well,  my  daughter,  you  want  to  see  the  city,  do  you  not?"  said  her 
father  entering  Alice's  room,  on  his  return  to  the  hotel,  after  a  short 
absence  out  in  the  city  on  business. 

"Come  on,  I've  a  carriage  below,  and  we  will  go  at  once." 

"  Did  you  see  those  invalids  at  the  hotel?"  she  asked,  as  they  drove 
away. 

"  That  young  man  and  pale  girl?" 

"  Yes,  she  is  his  wife.  He  is  taking  her  to  Los  Angelos,  hoping  it 
may  restore  her  health." 

"Ah!"  said  Col.  Heartland,  and  his  mind  dwelt  in  the  past. 

"Those  hectic  flushes  show  that  the  fell  destroyer,  consumption,  has 
fastened  his  fangs  upon  the  vitals.  Tender  care,  constant  attention 
and  a  warm  climate,  may  do  much  to  soothe,  much  to  alleviate  her 
suffering,  but  nothing  to  save." 

"So  young,  so  lovely,  so  fondly  cherished,"  said  Alice. 

"  Never  had  Ponce  De  Leon  higher  hopes  when  searching  for  the 
font  of  everlasting  youth,  than  this  young  man  has  for  the  restoration 
of  his  much  loved  wife.  I  talked  with  them  while  you  were  gone. 
Their  eyes  sparkled,  and  their  faces  brightened  when  they  spoke  of 
Los  Angelos,  and  the  benefits  they  hoped  would  follow  a  residence 
there." 

"  Sad,  sad,  I  fear  will  be  their  disappointment.  But  I  pray  their 
fond  anticipations  may  be  realized." 

"  Where  shall  we  go  first?" 

"  To  the  Capitol,— father,  I  have  read  so  much  about  it,  I  wish  to 
see  it." 


56  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  To  the  Capitol,"  he  said  to  the  driver,  and  the  carriage  turned  into 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  avenues  of  this  city  of  avenues.  The  day 
was  warm  and  bright,  but  the  sun  could  not  penetrate  the  thick  shade 
of  the  Eucalyptus  trees,  that  grew  on  both  sides  of  the  streets  and  in- 
terlapped  above  the  carriage  way. 

"Beautiful !  Beautiful !  exclaimed  Alice,  as  she  looked  first  from  one 
side  and  then  to  the  other. 

"  Drive  down  this  street,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  pointing  to  a  wide, 
one.  "  Let  us  see  those  silver  poplar  trees,  and  the  handsome  houses 
where  the  nabobs  of  Sacramento  dwell."  On  and  on,  in  this  paradise 
of  beauty,  until  the  carriage  entered  the  Capitol  grounds,  where  beauty 
is  changed  to  grandeur. 

They  walked  up  the  broad  steps  into  the  building.  It  was  remark 
ably  quiet.  The  Legislature  was  not  in  session,  and  the  only  life  about 
the  place,  seemed  to  be  in  those  rooms  used  by  the  State  officers.  The 
Treasurer  threw  open  his  vaults  and  showed  the  immense  sums  of 
gold— the  property  of  the  State.  They  met  the  kind  hearted,  benevo 
lent  Governor,  and  were  treated  with  the  greatest  consideration  by  all, 
fronrthe  Janitor  up,  for  Col.  Heartland  was  known  and  beloved  on 
the  whole  coast. 

"  Why,  Waldron,"  he  exclaimed,  shaking  hands  with  a  young  man 
he  met  with  in  the  Library.  "  How  come  you  here?  My  daughter, 
Mr.  Waldron."  Alice  acknowledged  the  introduction,  while  Waldron 
replied : 

"Just  a  little  business,  Colonel.  We  have  been  looking  for  you  in  San 
Francisco  for  two  weeks." 

"  Yes,  I  went  to  Yosemite;  now,  I  must  stop  here  a  day  or  two." 

"  Miss  Heartland,  have  not  we  Californians  a  magnificent  State  Li 
brary?"  he  said  to  Alice,  as  he  saw  how  absorbed  she  was  by  her  sur 
roundings. 

"  Magnificent  indeed.  It  seems  to  contain  everything  in  the  way  of 
literature— and  this  is  the  law  library  here,"  she  said,  looking  into  an 
adjoining  apartment,  "is  it  not?" 

"  Yes,  and  a  more  select  one  there  is  not  on  the  continent." 

They  walked  round  and  round,  looking  at  the  numberless  books 
until  Col.  Heartland  warned  them  that  it  was  time  to  go.  Waldron 
joined  them  and  rode  back  to  the  hotel  in  the  carriage  with  them.  He 
there  left  them,  but  soon  returned  with  his  sister,  the  wife  of  a  banker 
of  the  city.  She  insisted  upon  Col.  Heartland  and  Alice  accepting  an 
invitation  to  tea  with  her.  They  did  so. 

"  I  will  call  for  you,"  said  Waldron,  as  he   descended  the   stairway. 

The  rest  of  the  day  was  spent  in  driving  about  the  city.    They  vis- 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  57 

itcd  the  Chinese  laundries,  which  were  curiosities  indeed.  The  washing 
was  done  below  stairs,  and  the  lines  for  drying  were  stretched  upon  the 
tops  of  the  flat  roofs  of  the  wooden  houses.  One  Chinaman  kept  the 
books  of  each  laundry.  Their  writing  was  done  in  strange  hieroglyph 
ics,  one  sign  or  letter  above  another  like  a  column.  Some  were  en 
gaged  in  carrying  the  clothing  to  the  laundry  and  from  it.  Others  in 
performing  the  laundry  work,  which  they  did  with  marvelous  celerity. 
There  were  no  women  engaged  in  the  business,  though  some  few  are 
occasionally  seen,  dressed  in  the  fantastic  style  of  their  nationality.  As 
a  general  thing  the  men  made  washing  a  specialty  They  may  be 
seen  along  the  streets  with  poles  six  or  eight  feet  long  on  their  shoul 
ders,  with  a  basket  of  clothing  dangling  from  each  end.  They  live  on 
a  little  rice  and  tea,  and  sometimes  add  rats  and  dogs  to  their  bill  of 
fare.  What  they  accumulate  is  sent  home  to  the  mother  country. 
They  make  arrangements,  should  they  die,  for  their  remains  to  be  car 
ried  back  to  their  own  land,  fearing  the  hereafter,  unless  their  bones 
repose  beneath  the  soil  of  the  Empire.  They  require  a  scrupulous  ex 
actness  in  all  business  transactions.  It  sickens  the  heart  to  see  a  want 
of  Christianity  in  a  fellow-being,  generally  speaking,  but  the  Chinaman 
kneels  before  his  idols,  and  we  look  with  composure  upon  him,  for  it 
is  his  nature,  and  belongs  as  much  to  him  as  does  his  national  and  long 
queue.  He  would  not  seem  a  Chinaman  without  those  things  peculiar 
to  his  race.  Their  Joss  house  presented  a  poor  appearance  outside, 
and  but  little  better  inside.  It  contains  the  graven  images,  fashioned 
after  models  of  their  own  country.  They  enter  one  door,  bow  before 
their  wooden  gods,  utter  a  few  incoherent  sentences,  rise,  and  leave  the 
house  by  another  door.  Thus  was  the  afternoon  whiled  away,  and 
Col.  Heartland  reached  the  hotel  just  in  time  to  meet  Waldron,  who 
had  come  for  them  according  to  promise. 


58  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Catch  then,  O,  catch  the  transient  hour, 

Improve  each  moment  as  it  flies  ; 
Life  is  a  short  summer— man  a  flower, 

He  dies — alas  !    how  soon  he  dies  ! 

Gay  phaetons,  landaulets,  and  broughams  crowded  the  streets,  laden 
with  the  wealth  and  beauty  of  the  land,  while  sweet  music  floated  from 
every  mansion.  It  was  eventide  in  the  lovely  city,  and  as  the  joyous 
ones  whirled  by,  Waldron  and  his  friends  joined  the  moving  throng  in 
a  handsome  open  brett,  drawn  by  fleet,  spirited  horses,  and  were 
driven  to  the  residence  of  his  brother-in-law. 

"  What  a  beautiful  house,"  exclaimed  Alice,  as  they  ascended  the 
elegant  marble  steps. 

"  Beautiful  indeed,"  remarked  her  father  as  he  followed  Waldron  in. 
The  chandeliers  were  all  ablaze,  as  they  entered  the  parlor  and  were 
seated.  Waldron  left  them  for  an  instant. 

"  Father,  is  this  not  like  the  fabulous  story  of  a  fairy  castle,  or  the 
creation  of  the  Arabian  Nights?" 

"  It  is  grand,  it  is  lovely,  my  child,  but  still  there  are  many  such  in 
our  Western  cities." 

"  It  is  too  grand  to  be  a  reality,  too  rich  and  magnificent  for  human 
means.  Look  at  these  frescoed  walls,  these  costly  Turkey  carpets, 
this  satin  covered  furniture,  the  panellings  of  which  are  so  bright  as 
to  dazzle  the  eyes." 

'•But  yet,  my  daughter,"  he  said,  passing  his  hand  over  the  polished 
surface  of  the.back  of  the  settee,  "yet  this  furniture  is  made  in  San 
Francisco,  of  satin  wood  from  California's  own  forests." 

"Is  not  California  the  greatest  State  in  the  United  States?"  asked 
Alice. 

"  I  cannot  say  that;  that  would  arrogate  too  much   to   ourselves. 


TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California.  59 

But  our  State  certainly  has  its  advantages.  How  it  has  progressed  in 
an  incredibly  short  space  of  time!  What  a  change  !  A  few  years  ago 
except  the  Spaniard  and  the  Indian,  there  were  no  inhabitants  here  ; 
now  see  the  populous  cities  and  cultivated  fields.  Twenty-eight  years 
ago,  San  Francisco  was  but  a  mining  camp,  now  it  is  a  great  and  pop 
ulous  city,  an  intelligent,  wealthy  community,  and  with  palace  homes 
that  have  not  their  equal  even  among  the  nobility  of  Europe." 

"But  there  is  our  hostess,"  and  Alice  arose  to  receive  the  warm 
greeting  tendered  her.  Col.  Heartland  was  welcomed  with  much  cor 
diality.  The  host  soon  joined  them  and  added  his  words  of  cheer  to 
those  already  spoken. 

"  It  is  more  pleasant  to  sit  in  the  library,"  he  said,  leading  the  way  to 
a  smaller  apartment  adorned  with  costly  books  and  paintings,  and  or 
naments  of  gold  and  silver.  Again  Alice  sat  dreaming  of  fairy  lands, 
and  for  a  moment  she  forgot  the  sober  phases  of  life,  and  its  sad  re 
alities.  She  was  aroused  from  her  reverie  by  the  entrance  of  a  lady 
and  gentleman,  who  were  introduced  as  visiting  friends  from  the  East. 
Col.  Heartland  recognized  them  as  fellow  travellers  whom  they  had 
met  on  the  train  before  he  left  it,  to  go  to  Yosemite. 

"But  where  is  the  little  boy?"  he  asked  after  greeting  them. 

"  Willie!"  called  his  mother,  and  the  child  came  springing  into  the 
room,  paused  a  moment,  then  climbed  up  into  Col.  Heartland's  lap. 
After  a  few  childish  remarks,  he  left  his  perch,  to  return  again  in  a 
few  moments  with  his  favorite  guide  book. 

"  See  here,"  he  said,  "let  me  show  you  the  pictures,  this  is  the  Thou 
sand  Mile  Tree,  and  this  is  the  Devil's  Gate.  Why  is  it  called  the 
Devil's  Gate." 

"Because  the  Devil  went  through  once  and  left  it  open,  as  you  did 
my  back-yard  gate  this  morning,"  said  the  host  jocularly. 

"  And  here  is  the  Devil's  Slide,  what  is  that  named  for?"  still  persist 
ed  the  little  fellow. 

"  It  is  so  called,"  replied  Col.  Heartland  with  much  gravity,  "because 
the  Devil  once  slid  down  there." 

"  Did  his  mother  whip  him  for  wearing  out  his  breeches?"  glancing 
towards  his  own  dignified  mamma. 

This  was  too  much,  the  whole  party  laughed  boistrously.  Waldron 
clapped  his  hands  in  his  excitement,  and  Alice's  merry  laugh  rang 
through  the  room. 

Broad  folding  doors  were  drawn  noiselessly  aside  by  two  Chinese 
servants,  and  host  and  hostess  led  the  way  into  the  dining  room.  The 
table  claimed  the  attention  of  Alice  for  a  moment.  It  was  of  the  most 
highly  polished  satinwood,  and  contained  a  service  of  gold  and  silver 


60  J^ahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

The  coat  of  arms  of  the  family  was  engraven  upon  every  piece,  and 
represented  a  large  falcon  with  outspread  wings,  for  this  was  the  Fal 
coner  family.  Gold  cups  with  silver  saucers,  silver  knives  and  golden 
forks,  silver  goblets  lined  with  gold,  pitchers,  alternated  gold  and  sil 
ver,  golden  spoons  and  tea  service  of  gold.  The  side  dishes  were  of 
silver,  lined  with  gold,  wine  stands  of  silver  and  cake  salvers  of  gold. 
Every  luxury  that  could  please  the  palate  was  served.  They  were  in 
good  condition  to  enjoy  their  repast,  for  riding  in  the  open  air  had 
whetted  the  appetite.  In  the  enjoyment  of  the  delicious  viands  they 
had  almost  forgotten  the  magnificence  by  which  they  were  surrounded, 
when  they  were  startled  by  an  exclamation  from  Willie,  "  Oh,  Ma, 
what  a  buzzard ! "  He  had  seen  one  of  the  falcons  on  the  top  of 
the  fruit  stand.  A  silence  followed ;  the  mother  was  mortified, 
and  the  hostess  too  well  bred  to  hear  the  child's  remark.  Waldron's 
eye  twinkled,  but  Col.  Heartland's  well-bred  self-control  rebuked  him. 
Alice  did  not  hear,  but  commenced  a  conversation  with  the  host,  who 
would  have  laughed  outright  had  not  a  glance  from  his  wife  warned 
him. 

"  All  things  that  are  bright  must  pass  away,  "  said  Col.  Heartland 
to  his  hostess  as  he  took  her  hand  at  parting,  "and  so  must  end  this 
pleasant  evening.''  Unconsciously  he  had  wandered  beneath  a  shad 
ow  and  in  a  moment  his  radiance  was  gone,  and  his  thoughts  in  the 
distant  past.  Alice  promised  to  come  again  and  they  left  the  hospita 
ble  roof  with  a  hope  to  meet  them  again. 

Morning  found  them  in  Vallego,  two  hours  later,  in  San  Francisco. 
Bertina  came  immediately  to  Alice.  Col.  Heartland,  leaving  his 
daughter  at  the  Palace  Hotel,  went  to  attend  to  his  business  in  the 
city.  He  was  late  returning,  and  when  he  came,  accompanied  by  Grif 
fin,  he  told  his  daughter  of  the  forgeries  that  had  been  committed. 

"  Who  did  it  ?  " 

"  We  do  not  know,  "  said  he. 

"  Did  they  imitate  your  signature,  father  ?  " 

"  No,  the  signatures  were  genuine  ;  there's  the  puzzle,  how  they  ob 
tained  them  I  cannot  tell.  " 

"  And  there  is  no  clue  to  the  forgers  ?  " 

"  None.  " 

"  How  much  did  they  get  ?  " 

"  Sixteen  thousand,  seven  at  one  time,  nine  at  another.  " 

"  And  no  clue,  nothing  to  lead  to  the  discovery  ?  " 

"  Nothing,  but  I  will  remain  here  for  some  days  and  see  what  can  be 
done.  I  have  the  police  on  the  alert.  We  will  try  to  ferret  it  out. 
You  know  I  never  lament  over  what  I  can  not  remedy.  I  have  had  so 


TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California.  61 

many  great  troubles  that  this  is  a  minor  one ;  so  get  your  hat  and  let 
us  go  riding. " 

They  passed  along  the  streets  of  this  cosmopolitan  city,  by  its  busi 
ness  houses  of  high  and  low  degree,  its  palatial  residences  where  the 
millionaires  dwell,  and  its  humble  cottages  of  the  poor. 

"  Who  was  Mr.  Woodward  ?  "  asked  Alice,  as  they  entered  the  gar 
den,  the  most  renowned  in  America. 

"A  gentleman  of  wealth  of  this  city,  whose  generosity  has  been  called 
forth  for  the  public  pleasure  and  good.  The  small  price  charged  for 
admittance  proves  his  motives  were  pure.  Sunday  Schools,  Orphan 
Asylums,  and  other  charitable  institutions,  have  free  use  of  the  gar 
den.  " 

"  It  is  a  place  to  delight  the  eye,  "  said  Alice;  "  what  a  variety  of  at 
tractions!  " 

"This  garden,"  said  her  father,  "  has  not  an  equal  on  this  conti 
nent,  public  or  private.  It  is  certainly  a  great  pleasure  to  the  San 
Franciscans.  They  are  exceedingly  proud  of  it,  and  not  without  cause. 
One  citizen  can  contribute  a  great  deal  to  the  pleasure  and  health  of 
others  when  wealth  falls  to  his  lot.  Some  one  has  truly  said,  'that  he 
who  enjoys,  and  not  he  who  owns,  is  the  true  possessor. '  Every  citi 
zen  of  San  Francisco  feels  that  he  has  and  owns  an  interest  in  the  gar 
den.  " 

"  I  notice,  father,  "  said  Alice,  "  that  San  Francisco  is  seldom  men 
tioned  in  the  accounts  given  by  travellers,  unless  accompanied  with  a 
lengthy  description  of  these  gardens.  Visitors  never  fail  to  pass  a  day 
here,  to  inhale  the  perfume  of  the  myriads  of  flowers,  to  see  these 
lakes,  fountains  and  cascades,  to  listen  to  these  murmuring  brooks  and 
gurgling,  babbling  rivulets,  look  upon  these  mounds  and  hillocks,  cov 
ered  with  vines  and  flowerets,  that  the  frost  never  blights,  that  the  heat 
does  not  scorch.  " 

"  I  like  to  see  you  so  enthusiastically  appreciative  of  all  these 
beautiful  things,  my  child.  It  convinces  me  that  I  have  not  erred  in 
educating  you  with  a  just  appreciation  of  God's  beauteous  earth,  with 
its  manifold  blessings.  I  like  to  leave  the  anxious,  busy  city  and  its 
confusion,  and  wander  here  amid  the  combined  beauties  of  nature  and 
art.  It  brings  peace  to  the  soul  and  gratitude  to  the  heart.  We  for 
get  the  attritions  of  every-day  life,  and  ascend  into  a  higher  atmosphere. 
Look  into  this  little  grotto  and  that  cavern,  over  there  at  that  grassy 
lawn,  and,  just  beyond,  that  green  thicket.  There  goes  the  gazelle 
nimbly  bounding  over  the  green  sward,  and  down  yonder  sandy  slope 
the  ostrich  paces  to  and  fro.  Notice  that  pond  in  which  those  mag 
nificent  sea  lions  dwell — the  water  is  salt,  and  changed  often  ;  hear 
them  roar,  and  see  them  climb  the  rocks,  only  to  tumble  off  again 


62  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

in  the  water.  The  pond  is  surrounded  by  a  stout  iron  railing,  is  it 
not?  Let  us  go  nearer.  Now  look  here  at  this  aged  bear  confined  in 
this  inclosure ;  that  artificial  tree  is  a  source  of  great  comfort  to  him 
in  his  imprisonment,  He  climbs  it,  descends  it  again,  and  again 
climbs  it  to  its  top — a  Sysiphean  task  of  which  he  never  seems  to  tire. 
And  here  (entering  the  Museum)  was  formerly  Mr.  Woodward's  pri 
vate  residence.  In  here  we  find  antique  relics  from  all  parts  of  the 
world,  fossils,  birds  and  fish.  Look  at  these  terribly  deformed  beasts, 
and  those  so  perfect  in  symmetry.  And  over  here  are  the  mineralogi- 
cal  and  geological  specimens  ;  most  of  these  are  from  the  Japanese 
Empire,  though  this  coast  has  furnished  scores  of  curiosities  here  too 
numerous  to  mention.  I  could  spend  days  and  days  here  with  pleas 
ure  and  profit ;  but,  come  ;  let  us  go  up  this  elevation  to  the  pavilion, 
georgeously  decorated  within,  while  the  flags  of  all  nations  are  un 
furled  above  it." 

"  How  many  people  could  be  seated  here,  father  ?"  asked  Alice. 

"About  five  thousand,  I  think  ;  you  see  the  seats  extending  around 
in  these  ascending  tiers,  and  the  floor  is  in  the  center,  something  like  ft 
theatre,  you  see.  There  is  no  recognition  of  the  Sabbath  day  here. 
Roller  skaters  gather  in  large  numbers  to  exercise  upon  the  smooth 
rink,  and  acrobats,  trapeze  performers,  burlesque  actors  and  dancers 
come  at  that  time,  also,  because  they  can  have  a  greater  crowd  ;  but 
what  is  the  matter — "  and  Col.  Heartland  followed  his  daughter,  who 
left  the  pavilion.  Pale  and  trembling,  Alice  told  him  she  wished 
to  get  out  of  the  sight  of  a  horrible  ugly  creature  she  had  seen  there 
in  the  shape  of  a  man. 

"  He  kept  looking  at  me,  father,"  she  said,  "  His  eyes  were  those 
of  a  demon  ;  they  glared  in  different  ways  and  were  of  different  colors. 
Oh !  he  was  horrible  to  look  upon,"  and  she  shuddered. 

They  got  into  a  little  boat  upon  the  lake,  and  in  a  little  while  Alice 
forgot  the  monster  she  had  seen,  and  entered  into  the  enjoyment  of 
the  surroundings.  They  went  to  the  refreshment  room,  then  to  the 
observatory  and  took  a  view  of  the  city  and  country  around.  The 
aquarium  was  an  especial  feature.  The  live  fish  of  all  varieties  in  the 
different  compartments  were  very  interesting,  and  they  lingered  long 
around  them.  Going  through  the  underground  passage-wav,  they 
entered  the  zoological  department.  Hour  after  hour  passed,  and  the 
setting  sun  found  them  on  their  way  back  to  the  hotel,  after  a  de 
lightful  day  in  the  Woodward  Gardens.  Alice  amused  old  Bertina 
with  an  account  of  what  she  had  seen,  not  forgetting  to  tell  her  of  her 
encounter  with  Grubbs,  for  it  was  he. 

"  What  a  ugly  creature  he  must  hab  been,"  she  said  ;  "crooked  eyes 
and  no  neck — umph  !  scared  my  baby,  too  ;  ole  ugly  ape  of  inicrity." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  63 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


"  Oh,  'tis  n't  in  tongue  or  pen  to  trace 
The  scenes  I  saw  in  that  joyous  place." 

"  Faiher,"  said  Alice,  "  we  have  been  nearly  every  other  place  of 
interest  in  and  around  San  Francisco,  suppose  we  go  to  the  Cliff 
House?" 

"  With  all  my  heart,  my  child.  I  wish  you  to  see  the  great  Pacific 
Ocean.  The  bay  is  beautiful,  but  the  ocean  is  grand — as  calm  and 
unchangeable  as  it  was  nearly  four  hundred  years  ago,  when  Balboa 
climbed  the  mountain  and  took  the  first  view  of  it.  I  thought  to  take 
you  through  the  Golden  Gate  and  sail  down  the  coast,  but  I  will  not 
have  rime  this  trip  ;  I  am  so  busy,  and  this  forging  business  is  some 
thing  I  did  not  anticipate  and  has  occupied  much  of  my  time." 

"  No  clew  to  the  forgers  yet  ?" 

"  None — at  least,  no  tangible  one  ;  some  strong  suspicions  that  may 
lead  to  something  more  definite  in  the  future.  For  the  present,  all  is 
kept  quiet.  Shall  we  go  ?" 

"  I  am  ready,"  she  said,  and  following  him,  they  entered  the  carriage 
and  were  driven  away.  The  densely  peopled  portion  of  the  city  was 
soon  left  behind  them,  and  they  were  breathing  the  cool,  life-giving 
ocean  air.  The  Cliff  House  reached,  a  fair  view  of  the  ocean  and  a 
ramble  along  the  beach  compensated  them  for  their  ride.  There  was 
something  so  thrilling  and  ennobling  in  the  sight  of  the  Pacific  Oc^an 
for  the  first  time,  to  Alice,  that  lunch  time  found  her  still  in  a  reverie, 
and  it  was  not  until  summoned  the  third  time,  by  her  father,  that  she 
recollected  herself.  She  ate  quickly  for  fear  of  losing  a  little  time,  and 
again  walked  forth.  The  sea  lions  stretch  themselves  upon  the 
rocks  in  sight,  and,  roaring  loudly,  plunge  into  the  water,  dive  out  of 
sight,  and,  reappearing  upon  the  surface,  go  through,  again,  the  same 
performance. 


64  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

The  sun  was  low  in  the  western  sky  as  the  carriage  reentered  the  city. 
The  wide  pavements  were  crowded  with  hurrying  citizens,  seeking 
their  homes  from  the  day's  work  done.  Alice  noticed  that  some  of 
these  pavements  were  stone,  while  most  of  them  were  plank,  wide  and 
smooth,  like  a  well-laid  floor.  There  were  many  Japanese  establish 
ments  on  the  principal  streets. 

"  Here,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  '•  they  display  their  wares  for  sale, 
their  fine  silks  and  teas.  As  a  class,  they  seem  to  be  more  intelligent 
than  the  Chinese.  Their  women,  too,  are  said  to  be  more  industrious 
and  thrifty  than  the  Chinese  females.  Shall  we  go  to  see  Lawrence 
Barrett  play  Hamlet,  to-night?" 

"  I  would  like  to  go.  He  is  said  to  be  an  excellent  actor.  I  heard 
some  ladies,  at  the  hotel,  speaking  of  him  this  morning.  They  said 
his  rendition  of  Richard  III  cannot  be  excelled." 

"  We  will  go,  then.  In  the  mean  time  I  must  go  down  to  the  bank. 
I  will  be  back  in  time." 

Alice,  aided  by  Bertina,  made  her  toilet,  and  was  ready  when  her 
father  returned.  They  went  to  the  theatre.  Barrett  surpassed  their 
expectations.  Returning  they  were  soon  in  bed.  "  Tired  nature's 
sweet  restorer,  balmy  sleep,"  came  to  their  relief,  and,  after  a  night  of 
pleasant  dreams,  Alice  awoke  refreshed  and  buoyant,  ready  for  another 
day's  enjoyment. 

41  Where  to-day  ?"  asked  her  father,  as  he  led  her  down  to  breakfast. 
"  The  early  morning  will  be  consumed  in  business ;  after  that,  I  am  at 
your  service." 

"  I  would  like  to  visit  the, Mechanical  and  Agricultural  Fair.  While 
you  are  absent,  I  will  take  Bertina  and  go  to  my  dress-maker's ;  also, 
shopping,  but  will  return  in  time."  ********* 

Col.  Heartland  had  just  handed  in  his  ticket,  and,  with  Alice  resting 
upon  his  arm,  was  passing  the  entrance  that  led  into  the  Fair  building, 
when  she  drew  closer  to  him  and  said,  in  an  agitated  undertone,  "  there, 
father,  there  he  is,  looking  at  me  again." 

Col.  Heartland  glanced 'up.  "It  is  hard  to  tell  which  way  that 
creature  is  looking,"  he  said,  "  but  fear  nothing,  we  will  soon  be  far 
away  from  him.  It  cannot  be,  it  cannot  be,"  he  murmured  to  himself, 
"  yet  how  like  his  those  eyes  are ;  but  it  cannot  be,"  and  he  dismissed 
the  intruding  thought  from  his  mind,  "  Look,"  said  he,  arousing 
Alice ;  "  look  here  ;  see  this  loom,  weaving  this  beautiful  silk."  Alice 
forgot  the  apparition,  like  a  child,  and  instantly  became  interested. 

"  This  is  California's  own  product,  manufactured  here  on  her  own 
soil.  Two  or  three  gentlemen  furnish  all  the  silk  for  a  large  factory, 
from  the  worms  on  their  own  places  ;  so  enormous  is  the  yield." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  65 

"  Look  at  this  furniture,"  said  Alice,  calling  his  attention  to  some  of 
the  handsomest  and  most  fashionable.  "  Where  does  the  wood  come 
from  of  which  it  is  made  ?" 

"  From  our  own  native  forests  ;  it  is  satin  wood,  and  is  also  manu 
factured  here." 

They  walked  on,  looking  at  the  saddles,  harness,  shoes  and  boots, 
all  the  products  of  home  industry.  All  things  peculiar  to  the  West 
were  gathered  here.  Alice  was  enthusiastically  delighted  with  the 
floral  exhibition,  and  struck  with  wonder  by  the  monstrosities  of  the 
vegetable  kingdom.  But  the  grapes  were  the  most  wonderful  things 
there ;  in  beauty,  size  and  taste,  variety  and  quantity,  they  are  not 
equaled  by  those  of  any  other  land.  The  revenue  of  the  country 
from  its  vineyards  is  almost  fabulous.  Immense  quantities  are  dried, 
and  exported  as  raisins,  while  hundred  of  thousands  gallons  of  wine 
are  made,  both  for  exportation  and  home  consumption. 

They  passed  on  to  the  gold  and  silver  displays,  then  to  the  precious 
stones.  "  Magnificent !  magnificent !"  exclaimed  Alice,  "  I  am  bewil 
dered.  Let's  go  ;  let's  go  " — and  they  passed  out. 

*#*  ###  #**  ##* 

"Bertina,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "tell  Griffin  to  be  ready — we  leave 
the  city  this  morning." 

"  Coin'  home  !  goin'  home,  to  Lake  Tahoe  !  Oh,  Lordy  !  I  am  so 
glad  !  for  I  am  tired  out  wid  dis  foolishness.  Bet  Wee  Wing  has  let 
everything  get  'stroyed,"  and  she  set  about  packing  Alice's  trunk. 

"  Will  we  stop  at  your  wheat  ranche  in  the  river  valley,  father  ?" 
said  Alice. 

"  Yes,  for  a  few  hours,  as  I  cannot  come  down  again  soon.  I  must 
see  my  ranche  boss  and  give  him  some  directions.  Are  you  satisfied 
to  go,  my  daughter?" 

"  Yes,  father  ;  I  have  enjoyed  this  trip  exceedingly,  but  now  want 
the  quiet  of  my  mountain  home.  I  am  satisfied  with  the  city." 

"  So  am  I ;  but  there  is  one  thing  unsatisfactory  yet.  I  have  not 
been  able  to  find  the  forgers  and  bring  them  to  justice  ;  but  staying 
here  will  do  no  good.  I  will  leave  everything  in  Waldron's  hands ;  I 
have  written  to  him  and  he  will  be  here  to-morrow ;  so  to-night  we 
will  spend  on  the  ranche." 

They  crossed  the  bay  to  "  Look  About  Island,"  while  waiting  for 
the  train  time. 

"What  is  the  name  of  this  little  boat?"  asked  Alice,  as  they  we 
passing  Fort  Alcatras. 

"  It  is  the  '  El  Capitan,'  "  replied  Col.  Heartland.  It  occupies  quite 
a  chapter  in  the  history  of  California  for  having  been  the  boat  on  which 


66  TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California. 

Mrs.  Laura  D.  Fair  killed  Mr.  Crittenden.  Oakland,"  he  continued, 
"will  be  to  San  Francisco  what  Brooklyn  is  to  New  York.  She  is  a 
lovely  city,  spread  out  before  us  here  in  all  her  floral  beauty.  All  the 
flowers  that  can  be  thought  or  dreamed  off  are  here.  The  wealthy 
merchants  and  professional  men  of  San  Francisco  have  their  resi 
dences  here.  As  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  from  the  bay  into  the  inte 
rior,  these  home  are  to  be  seen,  each  surrounded  by  its  garden  of 
flowers.  The  poor  as  well  as  the  rich  give  great  care  to  them,  nor  do 
they  flourish  more  luxuriantly  for  one  than  for  the  other." 

"  Will  we  have  time  to  ride  over  this  little  city  ?"  asked  Alice 
eagerly,  as  they  placed  their  traveling  satchels  on  the  seat  in  the 
depot. 

"  For  a  short  ride,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  beckoning  to  a  carriage 
standing  near.  Leaving  Griffin  and  Bertina  to  take  care  of  their  bag 
gage  and  await  their  return,  they  drove  off. 

"That  is  the  University  of  California,"  and  Col.  Heartland  pointed 
to  a  handsome  building  in  Berkeley. 

"  Is  it  a  male  or  female  college  ?" 

"  Well,  it  was  endowed  by  the  State  for  a  male  university,  but,  by  a 
special  act  of  the  Legislature,  females  are  also  admitted." 

Just  then  a  Chinaman  looked  wistfully  into  the  carriage  and  called 
out,  "  Washee  !  washee  !  washee  !  " 

"  What  indefatigable  creatures  they  are,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  as  he 
threw  the  poor  Mongolian  a  few  pieces  of  silver. 

Alice  laughed  heartily  at  the  idea  of  being  asked  for  washing  at  such 
a  time  and  place.  They  returned  to  the  depot  and  were  just  in  time 
to  catch  the  train  for  Sacramento,  at  which  city  they  changed  cars, 
and,  in  an  hour  more,  were  at  the  station  near  the  ranche.  A  carriage 
was  in  waiting  to  convey  them  out,  but  Alice  preferred  walking  up  the 
avenue,  which  they  did  and  met  a  warm  welcome  from  the  faithful 
ranche-master  and  his  family.  The  roses  hung  in  rich,  wild  profusion 
from  the  trellised  porch  ;  the  honeysuckle's  sweet  odor  perfumed  the 
air  and  the  white  jessamine  hung  in  clusters  just  above  their  heads. 
Alice  looked  around  her.  Far  to  the  north  was  the  vineyard,  to  the 
south  lay  the  wheat  fields,  while  on  each  side  the  orchard  of  figs,  cher 
ries,  almonds,  peaches,  apples,  pears,  nectarians  and  apricots  ex 
tended  quite  out  of  sight.  At  the  station  in  sight  were  great  moun 
tains  of  wheat,  piled  Hack  upon  sack. 

"This  place  is  scarcely  less  lovely  than  the  villa,"  Alice  said  to  her 
father,  as  they  sat  down  with  their  humble  friends  to  tea. 

"Yes,  and  it  is  all  due  to  our  host  and  his  industrious  wife,"  replied 
Col.  Heartland,  bowing  to  his  manager. 


lalioc:  or  Life  in  California.  67 

The  repast  finished,  the  Colonel  and  his  host  went  off  to  attend  to 
business  matters.  Alice,  remaining  with  the  lady  of  the  house,  was 
shown  all  the  little  conveniences — the  dairy,  with  its  rich  milk  and 
butter ;  the  kitchen  and  its  appurtenances ;  the  cellar  and  the  dried 
fruits.  She  became  quite  intimate  with  her  hostess,  and,  when  bed 
time  came,  almost  wished  she  was  to  remain  a  week  instead  of  but  one 
night.  She  hoped  something  might  turn  up  to  detain  her  father  a  day 
or  two  longer.  Such  a  cheery,  bright-faced  little  woman  she  did  not 
often  see,  and  the  little  ones,  too,  had  made  friends  with  her.  She 
wished  they  lived  near  the  villa,  or  could  carry  them  with  her,  and 
made  their  mother  promise  to  come  some  time  and  bring  them.  Ber- 
tina  and  Griffin  were  also  well  cared  for.  After  a  sad  good-bye,  the 
next  morning,  the  journey  was  continued. 

"  Dem's  the  bes'  poor  white  folks  I  eber  did  see,  so  much  nicer  dan 
common,"  was  the  remark  of  the  colored  dame  after  she  left  the 
ranche. 

"  Father,  see  that  sad  looking  gentleman  there,  with  three  little 
children,"  said  Alice,  as  the  train  stopped  at  a  station. 

"  Yes  ;  I  have  been  talking  with  him.  He  has  just  lost  his  wife,  the 
mother  of  his  little  ones." 

"  Bertina  and  I  will  help  him  care  for  them  on  the  trip,"  said  Alice, 
compassionately.  "  Come  here,  little  fellow  ; "  and  the  boy  came  to 
her,  then  the  little  girl  came.  They  remained  with  Alice  and  Bertina 
almost  all  the  time ;  and  the  parting  promised  to  be  a  painful  one. 
Alice  conversed  with  the  taciturn  stranger  a  time  or  two  regarding 
the  little  ones,  and  he  seemed  to  appreciate  the  notice  she  took  of 
them.  When  they  arrived  at  Truckee  he  thanked  her,  shook  hands 
and  said : 

"  It  is  a  sad,  sad  thing  for  a  man  to  lose  his  wife,  and  especially  so 
in  a  land  where  he  is  allowed  but  one.  I  am  on  my  way  to  Utah, 
where  I  will  never  be  left  in  such  a  predicament  again." 

The  train  moved  on,  leaving  the  Heartland  family  at  the  Truckee 
depot. 

•    "  Oh,  horrors  !  He  is  a  Mormon,"  said  Alice,  when  she  had  recovered 
from  the  shock. 

A  short  drive  brought  them  to  the  Villa— Sierran  Villa— home. 
Oh  !  how  sweet  it  was  to  them  all.  Wee  Wing  came  rushing  franti 
cally  out  to  meet  them. 

"  Me  gladee,  gladee,  so  gladee,  to  see  Bossee  Heartee,  Bossee  Alice, 
Griffin.  Me  no  gladee  see  Bertee,"  he  added,  hesitatingly,  as  he  saw 
Bertina's  swarthy  countenance. 

"  Go  back  to  that  house  and  'tend  to  your  work,  ye  yaller  heathen," 
she  said,  going  towards  him. 


68  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California* 

"  Let  him  alone,"  interrupted  Col.  Heartland,  authoritatively,  as  he 
took  Wee  Wing  by  the  hand  and  shook  it  cordially. 

We  Wing  told  him  as  best  he  could  all  that  had  happened  since  his 
departure — of  Grubb's  visit,  his  missing  finger,  his  strange  distorted 
eyes,  his  getting  into  the  desk  and  taking  therefrom  the  papers. 

"  He  sayee  youee  bugee ;  he  sayee  bigee  bugee,"  concluded  Wee 
Wing. 

"  I  can  account  now  for  the  signature,"  thought  Col.  Heartland,  and 
that  night  he  wrote  a  full  account  of  all  that  Wee  Wing  had  said  to 
him — to  Waldron — adding  the  description  of  the  man  Alice  had  seen 
at  Woodward's,  and  whom  they  had  again  encountered  at  the  fair. 

He  then  went  back  through  the  memory  of  years  ago,  and  told  of 
the  man,  Linton,  who  had  attempted  his  life  before  he  left  Virginia, 
and  fled,  no  one  knew  where.  He  doubted  not  but  that  he  was  one 
and  the  same  man.  Waldron  received  the  letters  and  went  to  work. 
The  family  at  the  Villa  were  enjoying  their  mountain  home,  for  home 
it  was,  in  every  sense  of  the  word. 

"Griffin,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  a  few  days  later,  "take  the  carriage 
to  Tahoe  City  and  bring  Miss  Hubblestubble  out.  I  am  informed  she 
has  arrived." 

She  came.  Alice  and  her  father  were  both  disappointed  in  her  ap 
pearance.  They  thought  of  the  woman  who  was  married  on  the  train  ; 
but  each  kept  these  thoughts  from  the  other,  hoping  for  the  best. 
Alice  received  her  kindly,  and  had  her  shown  to  her  room. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  69 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


BERTINA   AND   GRIFFIN. 
"  The  servant  oft  his  master  loves." 

"  Bertina,  am  dat  de  library  bell  ?" 

"  It  am,  Griffin,  and  it  has  ringed  for  de  second  time." 

"  Bertina,  I  didn't  hear  it  'til  just  den." 

"  I  know'd  you  didn't,  my  husban' ;  dat  Chinese  cook  makes  such  a 
clatter  in  de  kitchen  dat  we  can't  'hear  our  years/  but  go,  Griffin,  to 
de  Colonel,  afore  he  gits  tired  waitin"  for  you."  The  speaker  was  a 
tall,  dark,  middle-aged  mulatto  woman,  who  was  raised  a  slave  in 
Virginia  by  Mrs.  Fairfax  and  freed  by  Col.  Heartland,  on  his 
marriage  to  the  oldest  daughter  of  that  family;  she  had  been 
the  nurse  of  Col.  Heartland's  wife,  and  had  followed  the 
fortunes  of  her  young  mistress.  Mrs.  Fairfax  died  some  time 
previous  to  her  daughter's  marriage,  and  in  the  division  of  the 
slave  property,  Bertina  was  allotted  to  Alice,  afterwards  Mrs.  Heart 
land.  Col.  Heartland  saw  with  anguish  his  wife  had  inherited  the 
malady  of  her  family — consumption.  A  change  of  climate  was  neces 
sary.  The  physician  advised  a  residence  on  the  Pacific  coast.  The 
estate  was  sold,  except  his  valet,  Griffin,  whom  he  emancipated. 

Mrs.  Heartland  promised  her  younger  and  only  sister  that  she 
should  join  her  in  her  California  home  as  soon  as  she  completed  her 
course  of  study  at  Patapsco.  The  parting  between  the  sisters  was 
agonizing,  and,  leaving  her  in  charge  of  a  guardian,  Colonel  and  Mrs. 
Heartland  started  on  their  tour,  accompanied  by  the  faithful  Griffin 
and  Bertina,  who  steadily  refused  to  leave  them.  Griffin  and  Bertina 
had  long  been  attached  to  each  other,  and  they  had  their  marriage 
consummated  before  leaving  Virginia. 

"  I   wish  der  was  no  such  things  as  Chinese,"  continued  Bertina, 


70  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

after  Griffin  had  gone.  "  Dey  are  so  stupid,  and  you  can't  do  nothing 
but  what  dey  do  it  just  like  you,  nor  can  you  understand  a  word  dey 
say;  dey  don't  know  nothing.  One  Virginia  nigger  is  worth  a  dozen  such 
as  dem  ;  but  it  is  no  use  Bertina  sayin'  nothin',  Col,  Heartland  says 
he  must  have  a  cook,  and  he  he  can't  get  no  oder  sort  here.  He  says 
I  can't  do  eberyting.  If  he  but  knowed  it,  I  would  a  heap  ruther 
cook  den  to  have  dat  ugly,  sharp-eyed  Chinese  nigger  here.  Heap  ob 
changes  in  dose  long  years.  I  would  like  to  go  back  to  Virginny  once 
more  and  see  all  de  folks  ;  don't  spect  to  go,  though  ;  too  fur.  Neber 
did  know  what  went  wid  my  oder  young  missis,  Miss  Annie  Fairfax, 
what  was  at  de  school  at  'Tapsco,  Wonder  she  neber  comes  to  see 
her  dead  sister's  child.  'Pears  to  me  I  would.  I  often  wants  to  ax 
Col.  Heartland  'bout  her,  but  he  told  me  never  to  mention  de  pas. 
He  told  me  and  Griffin  neber  to  tell  Miss  Alice  nothing,  and  here  de 
bressed  child  grow'd  up  and  edicated  and  don't  know  nothin'  'bout 
her  mudder  or  her  mudder's  folks.  I  did  tell  her  one  day  how  pretty 
her  mudder  was,  but  as  to  tellin'  her  anything  else,  it  was  more  dan  I 
dared  to  do.  '  Bertina,'  she  said  de  night  she  died,  '  you  stay  wid  my 
baby  always,  and  don't  gib  her  up  to  nobody,'  and  ain't  I  took  care 
ob  her  ?  Ain't  me  and  her  pa  raised  her,  right  here  on  dis  Lake 
Tahoe  place  ?  Griffln  says,  eberybody  says,  she  is  de  finest  young  lady 
in  all  Californy.  Her  pa  thinks  there  nebber  was  a  man  had  sich  a 
child.  He  tole  me  always  to  neglect  eberything  else  to  'tend  to  Miss 
Alice,  and  I  paid  her  all  de  'tention  from  baby  down  till  now, 
and  see  de  consequence — de  completest  lady  in  all  de  country.  All  de 
beaux  is  arter  her,  and  'tain't  her  money,  nuder.  It  am  herself.  She's 
get  her  pa's  black  eyes  and  hair,  but  she's  got  her  ma's  'plexion.  What 
am  she  ?  She  ain't  a  blunette,  and  she  am  certainly  not  a  blon '. 
Whateber  she  am,  she  is  mighty  purty.  De  Lord  bless  he — dar  she 
comes  now." 

"  Bertina,"  said  Alice,  entering  the  pantry,  "  can  you  tell  me  how 
to  go  about  giving  an  All  Hallow-een  party  ?" 

"  Bless  you,  child,  dat  I  can ;  we  used  to  hab  dem  ebery  year  in 
ole  Virginny.  Bar's  nuthin'  to  do  but  hab  a  nice  supper,  music  to 
dance  by,  and  some  apples  and  nuts ;  wind  balls,  tell  fortunes,  eat 
fillipenas  and  tell  ghost  stories.  I  wish  Miss  Edith  Holmes  had 
stayed  wid  us.  'Pears  to  me  like  I'se  broke  up  since  she's  married 
and  gone.  She  teached  you  ten  years,  and  teached  you  so  many  'com- 
plishments.  If  she  war  here  she  could  help  you  now ;  she  was  such  a 
'telligent  person.  She  spent  her  time  'tending  to  you,  and  did  not  fol 
low  your  pa  'round,  like  dat  ole  fence-rail  teacher  you  got  now.  The 
ole  thing  talks  your  pa  nearly  into  fits.  Griffin  said  your  pa  took  a 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  71 

ride  yesterday  ebening  for  nuthing  but  to  keep  from  her  talking  him 
to  death." 

"  Bertina,  you  must  not  speak  disrespectfully  of  Miss  Hubblestub- 
ble,"  said  Alice,  haughtily. 

"Massa  Heartland  wants  Miss  Alice  in  de  library,"  said  Griffin,  re* 
turning  to  the  pantry. 

Alice  went  to  obey  her  father's  summons. 

"'Specful  indeed!"  said  Bertina. 

"  Whats'  you  cussin'  wid  Miss  Alice  'bout,  old  'oman  ?"  asked  Griffin. 

"  Jist  'bout  dat  ole  maid  up  stairs." 

"  What  'bout  her  ?" 

"  Oh,  nothing,  only  Miss  Alice  got  little  mad,  'cause  she  said  I  talked 
on-respectful  'bout  her;  I  was  jist  sensing  her  'bout  her.  She  better 
mind." 

"  Well,  Bertina,  Massa  Heartland  don't  like  her  a  bit ;  he  don't  say 
nuthin',  but  I's  so  used  to  him,  I  know  when  he  don't  like  nuthin'. 
Don't  say  anyt'ing  'bout  her,  Bertina,  she  will  not  stay  long.  She  is 
one  of  Farro's  lean  kine,  and  she  leaves  here  in  a  jiffy  some  day,  see 
if  she  don't." 

"  I  don't  see  how  he  stands  her,"  replied  Bertina,  "she  got  no  'stoc- 
racy  'bout  her  like  Miss  Edith.  She  is  common  poor  white'trash,  as 
they  say  in  Virginny.  You  know  Griffin',  if  dere  is  anyt'ing  in  dis 
world  dat  a  Southern  nigger  hates,  it  is  poor  white  folks,  and  above 
all,  poor  white  ole  maids;  Virginny  niggers  specially." 

"  Dats  so,"  said  Griffin,  "  but  you  must  talk  to  me  'bout  dese  things 
and  not  fret  Miss  Alice  and  Massa  Heartland  wid  dem  ;  you  know  dey 
bound  to  hab  her  treated  "spectfully." 

"  Yes,  I  knows  it  Griffin,  and  I  won't  do  it  no  more  ;  I  will  only  talk 
to  you  'bout  her.  You's  de  only  pusson  I  can  talk  to  'bout  her ;  our 
Chinese  cook  can't  understand  a  word  I  say.  She  cum  in  de  kitchen 
yesterday,  interferin'  in  my  business,  trying  to  teach  Wee  Wing  how 
to  make  something  to  suit  her  to  eat.  She  could  not  make  him  under 
stand,  and  I  was  glad  ob  it,  for  if  she  hadder,  she  would  hab  spent  all 
de  time  she  could  spare,  from  trying  to  captivate  Col.  Heartland,  in  de 
kitchen." 

"  Trying  to  captiwate  Col.  Heartland  ?  ha,  ha,  ha !  dat  am  too  funny." 

"  It  am  de  trufe." 

"  Now  Bertina !" 

"  It  am  ;  I  seed  her  looking  sheep's  eyes  at  him,  dis  morning  at  de 
breakfas  table." 

"  Did  you  see  dat  ?  ole  'oman,  you  am  a  cute  one." 

"  Dat's  what  brought  her  here,  to  catch  de  Colonel,  and  she  am  go 
ing  to  be  awfully  disapinted." 


72  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  I  tell  you,  she  am  for  sure ;  but  ole  'oman,  what  makes  you  hate 
Miss  Hubble  so  ?" 

"  Miss  Stubble  is  her  name,  ole  man." 

"  'Taint,  it  am  Miss  Hubble." 

"  I  tell  you,  it  am  Miss  Gusty  Stubble." 

"  I  say,  it  am  Dusty  Hubble." 

"  Ole  man,  you  'member  de  ole  story,  'bout  de  rat  and  mouse  ?" 

"  No  Bertina,  how  am  dat  ?" 

"  I  will  tell  you  for  your  zample ;  it  am  dis :  A  ole  man  and  ole 
'oman  libed  together  a  long  time  and  was  happy.  After  all  de  chil 
dren  was  grown  up  and  married  off,  one  ebening  setting  by  de  fire,  a 
mouse  or  a  rat,  one,  runned  across  de  harth.  "  Ole  'oman,"  said  de 
ole  man,  "  did  you  see  dat  rat  ?"  "  It  was'nt  a  rat,  it  was  a  mouse," 
said  she. 

"A  rat,"  said  he.  "A  mouse,"  said  she.  "A  rat,"  said  he.  "A 
mouse."  "  A  rat."  "  A  mouse,"  and  dey  boff  stuck  to  it,  till  dey  got 
fiteing  mad,  and  parted,  man  and  wife.  Dey  libed  several  years  apart, 
and  den  made  it  up.  Dey  went  to  housekeepin'  agin  and  was  happy  once 
more.  One  ebening,  dey  were  talking  ob  ole  times,  when  de  ole  'oman 
said,  "  wasn't  it  foolish,  ole  man,  in  we,  to  get  mad  and  part  ourselves 
'bout  dat  mouse?"  "  It  was  a  rat,  my  dear,"  says  de  ole  man.  "  No 
dear,"  says  de  ole  'oman,  it  mas  a  mouse."  "  No,  I  tell  you  it  was  a 
rat."  "  It  was  a  mouse."  "  A  rat,"  and  dey  stuck  to  it  agin  and  sep 
arated  dey  selves  and  was  nebber  happy  no  more." 

"  Is  dat  story  for  my  zample  ?"  said  Griffin. 

"  It  am,"  said  Bertina. 

"  Well  Bertina,  I  gibs  it  up ;  I'd  rather  she  be  named  Stubble  a  hun 
dred  times,  dan  to  part  from  my  fateful  spouse,  if  I  do  know  it  is 
Hubble." 

"  Look  out  Griffin,  mind  how  you  talk.  Your  long  tongue  will  git 
you  into  trouble  yet.  Her  name  is  Stubble  and  nuthing  but  Gusty 
Stubble.  Now  say  it  aint,  if  you  dare,  you  saucy  nigger.  You's  got 
nuthing  to  say  ?  Well  I  am  glad  ob  it.  I  hate  to  quarrel  and  nebber 
do  it,  except  when  I  am  forced  to  it.  You  don't  see  dat  I  was  forced 
into  dis  one,  you  say  ?  Well  den  how  come  I  in  it  ?  Besides,  no- 
boddy's  been  quarreling  dat  I  can  see.  You  don't  know  what  I  call 

den  ?  Look  here  nigger,  if  you  don't  hold  your  disagreeable  tongue, 
dis  chile  will  go  back  to  Virginny  and  dat'll  end  it.  I'se  not  going  to 
be  'posed  on,  I  can  tell  you,  sir.  You  did'nt  mean  no  harm  ?  Well 
den,  'void  sich  in  futur." 

"  You  need  not  tell  me  dat  sassy  story,  ole  'oman,  I  won't  conterdict 
you  no"  more  for  all  de  Gusty  Hubbies Jn — 

"  Stubble,  sir,"  she  yelled. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  73 

"  Yes  ma'm,  Stubble  ma'm — in  de  worl,  ma'm." 

"  Dat's  a  good  hubby." 

"  But  you  did  not  tell  your  Griffin,  my  lubby,  why  you  hate  her  so?" 

"  Hate  who  so  ?" 

"  Dat  are  ole  maid  'oman,  what's  come  here  to  teach  Miss  Alice." 

'•  What's  her  name  ?" 

"Dunno." 

"  Yes  you  do." 

"  No  I  don't." 

•'  You  had  better  tell  me  her  name,  or  you  won't  hab  much  har  left 
on  dat  head  of  your'n,  and  no  wife  neider,  for  I  will  go  back  to  Vir- 
rinny." 

"Well  den  her  name  is  Hub — ." 

"  Stubble,  sir." 

"  Yes,  marm,  Stubble." 

"  Now  as  you  hab  shown  me  sum  'spect,  I  will  answer  your  question. 
She  gets  her  blue  bag  on  her  arm  of  mornin's  and  Stan's  at  de  head 
ob  de  stairs  and  hollows  out,  "  Chamber  maid,  oh,  chamber  maid,"  for 
me  to  cum  and  wate  on  her.  I  am  ole  now,  and  hab  nebber  been 
called  chamber  maid  afore,  in  all  my  life.  Dis  woman,  I  says  to  her, 
if  you  mean  me  Miss,  my  name  is  Bertina  ;  it  didn't  make  no  difference, 
for  in  a  minute  she  was  squalling,  "chambermaid,"  again.  But  I 
didn't  answer  her  dat  time.  I  just  let  her  squall  until  she  got  tired, 
and  went  into  her  room  and  banged  the  ole  door ;  you  could  a  heard 
it  a  mile.  She  shall  call  me  Bertina,  if  I  have  to  wait  on  her.  I  hate 
to  do  it,  but  must,  to  please  Miss  Alice  and  de  Colonel.  She  ought  to 
wait  on  herself.  She's  nebber  been  used  to  nuthin'  else ;  nebber  had 
a  nigger  in  her  life,  and  den  to  set  herself  up  for  me  to  wait  on.  She'll 
wait  on  herself  every  chance  I  ?et,  not  to  wait  on  her,  I  bet." 

"  You  know,"  said  Griffin,  "  when  I  went  to  Tahoe  City  to  fetch 
her  out  to  de  villa  ?  Well,  she  would  just  put  her  carrot  head  out  ob 
de  window  and  holler,  '  Coachman,  don't  go  so  rapid.'  I  tried  to  jolt 
de  libber  out  ob  her,  by  going  over  every  stump  and  rock  I  could  find 
in  de  road,  and  if  dere  was  none  in  de  road,  I  went  out  out  ob  de 
load  to  find  dem.  Dere  was  no  one  else  in  de  carriage  but  just  her 
ole,  poor  self,  and  I  made  de  most  ob  it.  All  I  hated  was  'bout  de 
hosses ;  dey  did  not  get  ober  it  for  two  weeks — dey  come  so  fast  dat 
day.  She  hinted  two  or  tree  times  to  Massa  Heartland  dat  his  '  coach 
man  '  was  drunk,  ' 

" See  dat,"  said  Bertina;  " no  nice  lady  would  tell  a  master  on  a 
servant,  and  nobody  would  call  a  driver  '  coachman,'  but  a  poor  white 
'oman." 


74  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  You  ought  to  had  seen  her,"  continued  Griffin,  "  bouncing  about 
in  de  carriage,  coming  down  de  mountain-side — it  was  jolly  ;  better 
than  a  circus.  That  blue  bag  fell  out,  and  she  nearly  break  her  neck 
to  get  it ;  I  wonder  what's  in  it  ? 

"  I  don't  know,"  said  Bertina  ;  "  she  watches  it  so  close,  nobody  can 
get  a  chance  at  it." 

"  I  had  a  good  chance  at  it,  to-day,"  said  Griffin. 

"  How  was  dat?"  asked  his  wife. 

"  You  know  when  Massa  rung  de  bell  ?" 

"  Yes,  when  he  rung  it  twice." 

"  Well,  he  had  picked  up  dis  bag  in  de  library  and  sent  me  up  to 
her  room,  to  carry  it  to  her." 

"  To  who  ?" 

"  To  Miss  Hub— 

"  Stubble,  sir." 

"  Stubble  ;  yes,  marm." 

"  Well,  den,  don't  try  to  provoke  me  any  more.  So  you  looked  into 
it,  did  you  ?" 

'•  No,  I  did  not." 

"  How  stupid  you  are,  Griffin  !  If  you  had  been  an  'oman  we  would 
dis  minute  hab  known  all  about  what  is  in  dat  blue  bag." 

"  But  you  see,  I  isn't  a  woman,  and  I's  glad  ob  it." 

"  She  will  nebber  let  me  get  hold  ob  it.  When  I  go  in  her  room, 
she  asks  me  what's  wanted,  den  she  tells  me  I  can  go-  dat  she  will 
call  when  she  needs  me ;  and  nebber  yet  has  she  ebber  opened  dat 
bag  when  I  am  dar.  But  I  am  going  to  find  out,  some  of  dese  days, 
what's  in  it ;  see  if  I  don't." 

"  You  let  dat  white  'oman  'lone,  nigger,  and  mine  your  own  biziness, 
'fore  you  gets  into  trouble ;  that  is  Miss  Hub — 

"  Stubble,"  screamed  his  wife. 

"Well,  Stubble,  then." 

"  I  am  going  to  box  your  ears  for  dat,"  said  his  wife,  going  towards 
him  ;  but  Griffln  was  too  fast  for  her.  He  fled  into  the  front  of  the 
house,  and,  in  a  moment,  was  busily  engaged  in  sweeping  out  the 
halls. 

"  Dere's  dat  Wee  Wing,  again ;  sich  a  noise.  Well,  as  I's  alive,  if 
dat  Chinese  nigger  isn't  been  chasing  a  fly  all  dis  time,  to  get  him  out 
ob  de  kitchen.  He  runs  arter  a  fly  all  day,  what  he  hab  him  out  ob 
de  kitchen.  He  was  his  hans  too  much — too  clean  to  be  necessary." 

"  You  hab  argued  dat  question  to  de  fullest  obturity,"  said  Griffin, 
coming  in  again ;  but  a  look  from  Bertina  silenced  him  and  sent  him 
back  to  his  sweeping. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  75 

••  I  don't  like  Chinese,"  continued  Bertina;  "  I  never  did." 

Poor  Wee  Wing.  He  seemed  at  times  to  try  to  please  he,  at  oth 
ers  to  escape  from  her  sight.  She  persisted  in  her  persecution  of  the 
Mongolian,  in  spite  of  the  remonstrances  of  her  kind  master,  and 
Alice's  "Oh!  don't,  Bertie." 

"  Look,"  said  she,  "  at  dat  pison  yaller  rascal ;  who  but  a  heathen 
would  wear  such  outlandish  close  ? — shoes  wid  wooden  bottoms,  and 
a  clof  roof  on  dem.  You  are  a  purty  looking  sight,  ain't  ye  ?  Ye  had 
shaved  like  a  penitenshy  bird.  Dare  right  whar  you  ought  to  be  dis 
bery  minit  ?  Don't  you  turn  your  crank-sided  eyes  up  at  me,  ye  long- 
tailed  snipe.  Suppose  ye  tink  you  look  like  Absolum,  wid  dat  long  har 
of  yourn?  No  more  like  Absolum  dan  ye  heathen  riggin  is  like  a  purty 
bandana  hankercher.  Wish  you  was  like  him,  hung  up  to  a  tree  by 
dat  long  har,  wid  a  mule  walkin'  out  from  under  you.  I'd  be  glad, 
for  one ;  it  would  be  happy  riddence  for  dis  world  and  de  nex',  I 
know.  Don't  stand  dar  sassin  me  wid  ye  eyes,  ye  yaller-hammer.  Go 
on  about  ye  work.  One  Virginny  nigger  can  do  more  in  fibe  minits 
dan  you  do  in  a  week,  ye  long-tailed  yailer-jacket.  Ye  ought  to  hab 
ye  cue  pulled  off.  I'll  do  it  some  time,  too  ;  see  if  I  don't ! " 

Except  to  glance  at  her  silently,  he  seldom  seemed  to  hear.  On  one 
occasion  he  was  handing  Col.  Heartland  and  Miss  Alice  some  fresh 
water,  when  seeing  Bertina,  some  distance  in  the  garden,  he  remarked, 
"  Bertina  longee  tonguee,  heapee." 


76  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California, 


CHAPTER  XV. 


COL.    HEARTLAND. 

"  He  was  a  man,  take  him  for  all  and  all, 
We  shall  not  look  upon  his  like  again." 

"  My  daughter  !  Griffin,  tell  my  daughter  I  desire  her  company  in 
the  library." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  said  Griffin,  retiring. 

The  speaker  was  Col.  Heartland.  He  had  been  in  California  many 
years,  and  besides  being  a  most  popular  man,  he  was  by  far  the 
wealthiest  in  all  the  surrounding  country.  Time  had  dealt  gently  with 
him.  An  habitual  shade  of  sadness  rested  upon  his  classic  face,  a 
sadness  from  which,  for  eighteen  long  years,  he  had  had  no  respite. 
He  had  no  one  to  whom  he  could  confide  the  sorrow  of  his  aching 
heart.  His  child,  "Sole  daughter  of  his  house  and  heart,"  was  too 
young ;  besides  that,  he  would  not  oppress  her  with  his  gloom.  He 
would  bear  it  still,  as  he  had  borne  it  during  these  long  years.  He 
would  still  stifle  his  grief  and  make  her  happy.  But  still,  she  was 
now  old  enough  to  know  something  of  the  past.  To-morrow  she 
would  be  eighteen,  and  yet,  from  his  lips,  she  had  never  heard  her  moth 
er's  name.  He  must  speak,  and  he  would  ;  but  could  he  control  him 
self  ?  He  would  try.  He  might  fail,  but  if  he  should — if  his  heart 
became  too  full  for  utterance,  who  could  so  well  sympathize  with 
him  as  his  motherless  child  ?  He  would  no  longer  keep  the  cold  bar 
rier  between  himself  and  his  daughter.  He  would  talk  frankly ;  not 
despondingly,  but  cheerfully,  concerning  the  past.  A  shade  of  thought 
overcast  his  finely  chiselled  features,  as  she  entered  the  room,  that  in 
dicated  that  something  more  than  usual  was  passing  in  his  mind.  He 
rose  slowly  from  the  arm-chair  in  which  he  was  seated,  and  turned  to 
welcome  his  daughter. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  77 

"  Shut  the  door  after  you,  Alice,"  he  said. 

"  It  is  not  cold,  father,"  she  replied,  as  she  turned,  executed  his 
command,  then  came  and  stood  beside  him. 

"  I  know  it  is  not,  but  I  wish  to  have  a  private  conversation  with 
you."  He  looked  so  serious  that  the  light,  smiling  face  of  his  daugh 
ter  grew  grave  as  she  looked  up  anxiously,  inquiringly,  at  him. 

"  I  hope,  dear  father,"  she  at  length  stammered,  •'  that  what  you 
have  to  communicate  is  not  of  an  unpleasant  nature  ?  " 

"  It  is  concerning  the  past  that  I  would  speak,  my  child.  But  were 
you  busy  ?  are  you  at  leisure  to-day  ?  " 

"  I  am  never  too  busy  to  attend  to  my  father's  wishes." 

"  What  were  you  doing  ? — may  I  ask  ?  " 

"  Certainly.  I  was  just  consulting  with  Bertina  in  regard  to  having 
an  All  Hallow-een  party  here  to-night.  I  had  invited  a  few  friends  to 
spend  the  evening  with  me,  and  I  was  devising  means  for  their  enter 
tainment." 

"  Then,  my  daughter,  I  will  cheerfully  postpone  what  I  have  to  say, 
and  assist  you  all  I  can.  My  old  brain  had  forgotten  there  was  such  a 
thing  as  Hallow-een." 

"  But  I  could  never  forget,  father  :  this  old  custom  is  such  a  glorious 
one.  They  say  that  witches  are  abroad,  that  spirits  nover  round  about 
you  ;  the  air  is  full  of  mystic  spells,  which  cast  their  silent,  thrilling 
influence  over  you.  You  feel  the  invisible  presence  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  air,  without  knowing  why  or  whence  they  came.  All  feel  the 
solemnity  of  the  evening,  and  all  join  with  heart  and  soul  in  the 
merry  pastimes.  Delightful  superstition  !  How  much  enjoyment  we 
owe  to  them !  We  all  eat  apples,  name  the  seed  and  count  them. 
Philopoenas  will  go  the  round,  games  will  be  played,  and  an  occasional 
ghost  story  will  be  told,  to  make  our  hair  rise  on  our  heads,  while 
music  and  dancing  will  give  zest  to  the  occasion.  How  impatient  I 
am  for  nightfall,  for  so  soon  as  old  Phoebus  hides  his  shining  face,  fay 
and  fairy  leave  their  haunts,  and  begin  to  weave  their  golden  webs,  in 
whose  mazes  to  entangle  the  feet  of  mortals ;  goblins  and  hobgoblins 
stalk  abroad  and  frighten  whom  they  may  encounter ;  and  wary  mor 
tals,  men  of  earth,  seek  their  homes  ere  the  shades  of  night  around 
them  gather,  lest  they  be  touched  by  some  magic  wand,  or  held  by 
some  wizard  hand.  I  never  think  of  the  wizards,  witches  or  goblins. 
I  forget  their  existence  in  my  enthusiastic  thoughts  of  fays  and  fairies. 

"  Miss  Hubble  says  for  Miss  Alice  to  come  and  take  her  music 
lesson,"  said  Griffin,  putting  his  head  in  at  the  door;  then  glancing 
back  to  see  if  Bertina  had  heard  him  pronounce  the  name  in  his  own 
way,  he  was  relieved  to  find  she  was  nowhere  to  be  seen. 


78  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"Say  to  Miss  Hubblestubble,"  replied  Alice,  "that  I  will  omit  my 
lesson  to-day. 

"  I  never  have  an  interview  with  you,  or  any  one  else,  my  daughter, 
that  Miss  Hubblestubble  dones  not  find  some  means  of  interrupting 
us.  Is  it  your  usual  music  hour  ?  " 

"  No,  father ;  I  generally  take  my  lessons  much  later ;  but  Miss 
Hubblestubble,  I  suppose,  knowing  I  am  going  to  have  company  this 
evening,  wished  me  to  get  through  my  music  as  early  as  possible." 

"  So  like  her  mother,"  thought  Col.  Heartland,  "  to  put  the  best  in 
terpretation  on  the  actions  of  others."  But  he  said  not  a  word,  for 
he  did  not  wish  to  destroy  this  beautiful  trait  in  his  daughter's  charac 
ter.  He  would  rather  she  would  be  too  credulous  than  too  suspicious  ; 
rather  that  she  would  think  good  of  evil  persons  than  evil  of  anybody. 
He  could  see  through  Miss  Hubblestubble,  but  he  did  not  tell  his 
daughter ;  he  could  fathom  all  her  motives,  but  he  kept  it  to  himself. 

"Who  are  to  be  your  guests  to-night ?  "  he  finally  asked. 

"Just  a  few  of  my  neighborhood  associates,"  she  said  ;  "and  Wal 
ter  Woodford  will  bring  a  friend  of  his  from  San  Francisco  with  him  ; 
that  is,  he  asked  my  permission  to  do  so." 

"  What  is  his  friend's  name,  and  who  is  he  ?" 

"  Aldridge  is  his  name,  and  I  think  he  is  a  Southerner  by  birth  and 
education.  Walter  says  he  is  a  man  much  older  than  himself,  and  of 
uncommon  culture  and  intelligence.  You  remember  the  bank  robbery 
that  occurred  just  before  we  went  to  San  Francisco  ?  He  is  the  cash 
ier  who  was  so  badly  wounded  in  trying  to  defend  the  contents  of  the 
vaults  in  the  bank.  Why,  father,  he  was  lauded  to  the  skies  for  his 
bravery.  Don't  you  remember  the  papers  were  full  of  praises  of  him  ? 
Even  poems  were  written  about  him." 

"  Are  you  sure  he  is  the  same  person  ?" 

"  Walter  says  he  is,  and  that  he  is  extremely  wealthy,  and  was  only 
serving  in  the  bank  to  have  something  to  occupy  his  mind  ;  for  he  is 
so  miserable  when  idle ;  he  says  he  must  work." 

"  All  stuff ;  a  man  does  not  become  a  subordinate  from  choice,  or 
simply  to  have  something  to  do.  He  could  find  employment,  and  yet 
be  his  own  master.  I  fear  all  is  not  right." 

"  But,  father,  do  you  not  know  the  bank  directors  gave  him  a  fine 
gold  medal,  and  while  he  was  ill  he  was  the  guest  of  the  president  of 
the  bank  ?  The  people  of  San  Francisco  honored  him  as  if  he  had 
been  a  king.  The  first  ladies  of  the  city  paid  him  every  attention  and 
tried  all  their  arts  to  lead  him  into  society.  He  had  hundreds  of  invi 
tations,  and  whenever  he  accepted  one  he  was  the  lion  of  the  occasion. 
Walter  Woodford  says  he  cares  nothing  for  these  things,  and  came  to 


Ta/we:  or  Life  in  California.  79 

visit  him  for  rest  and  quiet.  He  did  not  want  to  come  here,  but  Wal 
ter  persuaded  him  to  consent  to  do  so  ;  for  he  shuns  society.  They 
have  all  talked  about  him  so  much  I  am  really  anxious  to  know  him." 

"  If  Walter  Woodford  can  vouch  for  him,  I  will  be  pleased  to  have 
him  come  ;  but  I  am  by  no  means  in  favor  of  introducing  strangers 
into  my  household,  unless  known  personally  or  by  character  to  my 
friends  or  myself,"  said  Col.  Heartland. 

"  Oh,  Walter  knows  him,"  said  Alice.  "  He  told  me  all  about  him — 
how  he  lost  his  young  and  beautiful  affianced  wife  years  ago  in  South 
Carolina,  and  to  heal  his  broken  heart  he  came  out  to  the  West  and 
became  a  wanderer  among  strangers ;  how  handsome  he  is,  and  how 
noble,  good  and  true.  He  shuns  ladies'  society — he  has  not  called  on 
one  for  years.  Walter  says  he  persuaded  him  to  come  here  to  an 
All  Hallow-een  frolic,  against  his  will,  thinking  it  might  divert  his 
mind." 

•'  I  wish  your  young  friend  could  have  made  himself  less  officious  in 
this  matter,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  slowly.  "  I  do  not  doubt  but  that 
he  has  made  Walter  Woodford  believe  all  this  pretty  story,  but  if  he 
were  as  old  as  I  am,  and  knew  as  much  of  the  world,  he  would  give 
it  no  credence  whatever.  Every  fugitive  from  justice  takes  refuge  in 
the  West,  and  California  is  full  of  loathsome  adventurers.  Men  who 
could  not  live  decently  or  respectably  at  home,  men  who  deserve 
places  in  the  prisons  of  the  eastern  States,  are  roaming  at  large  over 
the  West,  and  a  young  lady  cannot  be  too  careful  in  guarding  herself 
and  her  young  associates  against  such  intruders.  You  will,  of  course, 
receive  this  friend  of  Walter's,  for  whom  you  say  he  vouches  ;  but  be 
careful,  my  dear  child,  to  keep  him  in  a  stranger's  place  until  you  know 
him  to  be  worthy  of  the  place  of  a  friend.  This  sort  of  men  often  bear 
a  name  to  which  they  have  no  right,  and  often  hide  a  villain's  heart 
behind  a  smiling  face.  '  A  man  may  smile  and  smile  again,  yet  be  a 
villain ;'  but  I  expect  I  had  better  not  trespass  further  on  your  time, 
my  daughter,"  he  added. 

"  But,  my  father,  I've  all  the  curiosity  of  my  sex,  to  know  what  this 
grave,  serious  matter  is  you  wish  to  talk  to  me  about  ?  But  since  you 
smile  again  I  am  not  so  anxious.  Do  you  know  that  you  really 
frightened  me  ?  What  is  the  hobgoblin  story  ?  Will  you  tell  it  to 
me  now,  or  will  you  postpone  it  and  give  our  guests  the  benefit  of  it 
to-night  ?" 

"  No,  my  daughter  ;  I  will  save  my  story  for  a  more  opportune  time, 
and  content  myself  with  being  a  listener  on  this  festive  occasion  ;  but 
have  you  asked  our  friend,  Major  Pettybone,  to  make  one  of  your 
guests  to-night  ?" 


8o  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  I  have  not,  father.  He  is  so  dignified,  I  did  not  think  he  would 
like  to  join  in  such  a  frolic.  I  somehow  imagined  that  he  would  deem 
it  childish,  nor  wish  to  add  his  august  presence  to  such  an  assembly. 
But.  father,  I  have  always  admired  Major  Pettybone.  I  think  him 
quite  handsome.  His  hair  stands  like  a  crown  of  glory  upon  his  head. 
His  form  is  so  erect,  and  his  voice  as  clear  as  if  he  were  but  twenty. 
His  eyes  are  as  penetrating  as  those  of  an  eagle.  Every  line  of  his 
face  maps  the  strong  character  which  must  be  his  ;  but  still,  father, 
when  he  speaks,  every  word  is  fraught  with  grace  and  wisdom  ; 
hence,  I  have  never  thought  of  bringing  him  to  a  level  with  myself  and 
young  friends  at  a  frivolous  party  on  Hallow-een." 

"But,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  he  would  most  certainJv  feel  slighted; 
and  of  all  my  friends  I  would  rather  wound  any  one  else  than  Henry 
Pettybone.  He  has  known  you  from  your  earliest  infancy,  and  has 
been  with  me  on  some  of  the  most  trying  occasions  of  my  life.  For 
years  he  has  been  a  constant  visitor  at  the  villa.  It  is  my  wish  that 
he  be  formally  invited  to  be  present  to-night." 

"  Certainly,  father,  if  it  will  afford  you  pleasure,  I  will  call  Griffin 
and  send  him  with  a  note  immediately  to  Pettybone  Hall.  Will  you 
write  the  note  ?" 

"  Did  you  write  notes  to  your  other  friends,  my  child  ?" 

"  I  did,  sir." 

"Then  write  one  to  him." 

"  What  shall  I  say  ?" 

"  What  did  you  say  to  the  other  friends  ?" 

"  I  asked  them  to  come  over  to  the  villa  to-night,  and  join  me  in  an 
All  Hallow-een  merry  making.  You  know  it  would  not  do  to  say 
that  to  the  learned  and  highly  cultured  Major  Pettybone  ;  to  say  noth 
ing  of  his  age,  which  so  far  exceeds  that  of  any  of  my  other  friends." 

"  I  have  understood  that  this  young  friend  of  young  Woodford's — 
what's  his  name  ?  Aldridge  ?" 

"  Yes,  Aldridge." 

"  Well,  I  have  understood  that  he  is  not  so  very  young." 

"  Yes,  father,  but  he  is  young  in  his  disposition,  I  am  told  ;  young 
in  his  manners,  and  young  in  his  thoughts.  His  head  is  not  packed 
with  'mystical  lore,"  and  he  will  not  overcome  us  with  his  learning. 
Suppose  I  ask  Major  Pettybone,  to  come  over  and  talk  with  Miss 
Hubblestubble  and  yourself  this  evening.  She  is  intelligent,  and 
perhaps,  could  interest  him."  Col.  Hartland's  brow  grew  darker  and 
darker  as  she  spoke  the  closing  sentences.  He  had  no  idea  of  devoting 
himself  to  Miss  Hubblestubble,  that  or  any  other  evening,  and  he  had 
other  things  in  view  for  his  friend. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  8l 

"No,  Alice," he  said,  decidedly,  "you  will  please  me  best  by  writing 
him  precisely  the  same  you  wrote  the  others.  Major  Pettybone  is  too 
well-bred  not  to  make  himself  agreeable  in  any  company  he  may 
choose  to  be,  young  or  old.  He  is  not  so  old  as  you  may  think,  my 
child,  and  is  a  gifted,  intellectual  man.  He  is  a  scholar,  and  a  'ripe  and 
good  one/  He  has  traveled  in  many  countries,  and  has  been  courted 
by  society  everywhere  ;  yet  he  prefers  his  woodland  home  to  any  city, 
with  its  brick  and  mortar,  gaslights  and  folks."  He  smiled,  then 
added :  "  I  have  sometimes  thought  my  society,  and  often  hoped 
yours,  may  have  something  to  do  with  influencing  his  choice  of  resi 
dence.  At  any  rate,  he  seems  to  like  our  society,  does  he  not,  my 
child  ?" 

"  I  cannot  'lay  that  flattering  unction  to  my  soul,'  "  replied  Alice,  as 
her  eyes  fell  before  her  father's  searching  glance,  and  the  crimson 
blood  mounted  to  her  cheeks. 

"  Your  rebuke  is  as  gentle  as  it  is  just,  my  child,  and  my  overween 
ing  vanity  has  received  the  check  it  merited  ;  but  coming  from  you, 
who  hold  the  double  place  of  both  daughter  and  friend,  and  to  whom 
I  giye  the  love  that  belongs  to  each,  it  is  far  more  highly  appreciated 
than  it  could  be  coming  from  any  other  source ;  I  would  have  you 
always  speak  freely  to  me,  and  have  you  always  as  my  nearest  friend; 
yet  ever  remembering  '  that  a  friend  should  bear  his  friend's  infirmity.' 
Let  your  heart  be,  under  all  circumstances,  open  to  your  father's  in 
spection,  for  there  is  none,  not  one,  who  will  or  can  sympathize  with 
you  like  he.  Hide  nothing  from  him.  Lay  bare  your  thoughts  before 
him,  and  his  heart  will  yearn  more  fondly  towards  you,  and  he  will 
love  you  more  dearly,  if  possible,  than  ever.  But,  again,  I  am  tres 
passing  upon  valuable  time  ;  so  go  and  send  the  note  to  Major  Petty- 
bone.  Write  him  just  what  you  wrote  the  others,  and  make  no  men 
tion  whatever  of  Miss  Hubblestubble.  She  will  make  herself  known 
quite  soon  enough  to  him,  I  can  assure  you ;  my  only  fear  is  that  she 
may  weary  my  friend,  for  it  was  only  by  the  best  of  management  that 
I  kept  her  from  the  parlor  on  the  occasion  of  his  last  visit  to  you, 
which,  you  remember,  is  the  only  one  he  has  made  since  she  came. 
He  has  been  absent  most  of  the  time  since  she  arrived,  and  it  is  well 
he  has,  for  I  think  he  either  would  have  had  to  discontinue  his  visits 
to  us,  or  have  been  bored  to  death.  I  always  regretted  to  lose  Miss 
Edith  Holmes,  your  former  governess,  companion  and  friend,  but 
I  now  doubly  regret  it  since  I  see  how  her  place  has  been  filled.  I  am 
glad  to  see,  however,  from  her  last  letter  to  you,  that  she  is  so  happy 
in  her  Eastern  home,  and  that  her  husband  is  so  good  and  kind.  We 
must,  however,  retain  Miss  Hubblestubble  until  we  can  do  better,  for 

6 


82  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

I  would  not  like  you  to  lose  any  time  from  your  French  and  music. 
Nevertheless,  we  must  not  permit  our  guests  to  be  bored  by  her,  but 
try  to  entertain  and  amuse  her  ourselves.  I  wonder  how  old  she  is  ? 
But  that  is  the  most  indefinite  thing  in  the  world— a  maiden  lady's  age. 
I  will  not  allude  to  it  again,  much  less  ask  the  question.  It  is  our  duty, 
as  far  as  within  our  reach,  to  save  the  feelings  of  our  fellow-creatures, 
and  I  know  hers  would  be  lacerated  beyond  endurance  if  she  knew 
the  thought  had  ever  crossed  my  mind.  It  is  not  chivalrous 
to  think  of  it  even,  much  less  to  give  utterance  to  such  thoughts. 
It  is  cowardly  ;  it  is  dastardly  !  "  Suddenly  he  remembered  he  might 
be  teaching  his  daughter  to  think  ill  of  somebody,  he  checked  him 
self  and  said  :  "  Go  send  the  note  to  Major  Pettybone,  and  prepare 
for  your  merry-making  to-night,"  As  the  door  closed  after  her,  he 
reseated  himself  in  the  large  arm-chair,  and  his  thoughts  returned  to 
Miss  Hubblestubble  :  "  She  is  a  singular — a  most  singular  woman," 
he  thought.  "  I  do  not  like  her;  she  reminds  me  of  the  'lean  and 
hungry  Cassius.'  She  can  teach  my  daughter  for  a  while,  but  she 
shall  never  be  her  friend  and  companion.  I  do  not  think,  however,  it 
will  need  my  interference ;  there  is  no  congeniality  there,  and  ^lice 
will  never  seek  her  company,  nor  remain  with  her  longer  than 
necessary.  My  child  is  sensitive;  she  is  constant  and  tender 
hearted — afraid  of  wounding  the  feelings  of  others ;  but  I  have  read 
her  estimate  of  this  woman.  She  did  not  give  her  Miss  Edith's  cham 
ber,  nor  does  she  seek  her  advice  or  assistance  in  anything.  I  often 
hear  her  chatting  with  old  Bertina  and  laughing  merrily  at  her  long 
spun  Virginia  yarns.  I  know  Miss  Hubblestubble's  life  is  a  lonely 
one  here,  and  if  I  believed  her  to  be  a  sincere,  pure-hearted  woman, 
I  could  talk  with  her  with  some  patience,  and  make  her  time  hang  less 
heavily  upon  her  hands,  but  she  is  wily  and  crafty,  and  I  know  it ;  I 
can,  therefore,  only  endure  her  and  her  blue  bag  a  little  while  at  a 
time  ;  she,  on  the  contrary,  thinks,  she  was  brought  here  for  my  com 
panion,  instead  of  that  of  my  daughter.  She  often  presses  me  into 
a  conversation.  I  sometimes  think  there  is  somebody,  somewhere  in 
the  world,  that  this  strong  woman  loves  ;  then  a  glance  at  her  face  is 
sufficient  to  convince  me  that  love  and  that  face  don't  go  together. 
She  told  me  the  other  day,  when  I  tried  by  conversation  to  monopo 
lize  her  time  and  keep  her  from  the  parlor,  during  Major  Pettybone's 
visit  to  Alice,  that  'it  was  the  mind  that  made  the  body  rich.'  I  knew 
by  her  very  step  that  she  was  parlorward  bound,  so  I  stepped  into  the 
hall  and  invited  her  into  the  library,  and,  I  think,  sustained  myself  well, 
until  after  Major  Pettybone  took  his  leave,  when  I  handed  her  over  to 
Alice,  feeling  very  sorry  for  the  child,  then  jumping  on  my  horse, 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  £3 

which  Griffin  was  kind  enough  to  have  ready,  I  rode  furiously  around 
the  lake  to  the  other  side,  got  down  and  bathed  my  heated  blood  in 
the  cool,  clear,  refreshing  waters,  and  did  not  return  again  until  after 
dark.  I  resolved  to  take  it  in  smaller  doses  hereafter.  Griffin  knew 
it,  by  intuition.  I  have  never  said  a  word  to  him,  yet,  every  time  he 
sees  me  talking  to  Miss  Hubblestubble  he  saddles  my  horse.  I  do 
not  always  have  to  ride,  however  ;  when  the  interviews  are  short,  I  can 
walk  out  into  the  garden  and  get  fresh  air  sufficient.  I  wonder  why 
she  always  carries^that  blue  bag  with  her  ?  It  has  become  an  eye-sore 
to  me,  and  I  heartily  wish  she  had  left  it  in  Vermont.  I  wish  she  had 
left  herself  there,  for  that  matter.  There  is  something  sinister  about 
her.  She  cannot  teach  my  daughter.  I  will  not  expose  my  frail, 
impressible  child  to  her  influence,  which  I  feel  cannot  be  good.  Alice 
is  all  I  have  on  earth  to  live  for — the  link  that  binds  me  to  my  dead 
wife ;  no,  not  dead,  only  gone  before.  I  love  my  child  as  no  father 
ever  loved  before,  and  will  shield  her  from  every  care,  and  continue, 
as  I  always  have  done,  to  stand  between  her  and  whatever  evil  there 
may  be  in  the  outside  world.  I  have  steadily  avoided,  all  I  could, 
bringing  her  out  in  so-called  society.  I  have  letters  by  the  score  from 
friends,  both  male  and  female,  in  San  Francisco,  New  York,  Baltimore 
and  Richmond,  begging  me  to  bring  my  daughter  among  them.  Not 
one  of  these  letters  has  she  ever  seen,  nor  do  I  intend  she  shall.  I 
have  reared  her  here  in  my  mountain  home,  as  pure  as  the  air  she 
breathes.  I  will  not  now  expose  her  to  contaminating  influences.  I 
take  her  occasionally  to  San  Francisco  on  little  shopping  excursions. 
Her  tastes  are  simple,  and  it  takes  her  but  a  short  time  to  make  hei 
purchases.  Her  dress-maker  and  one  or  two  lady  friends  of  mine  are 
about  the  only  women  she  converses  with  while  there,  and  I  bring  her 
home  again  without  letting  the  fashionables  know  that  she  is  in  the 
city.  I  would  not  have  my  daughter  move  in  the  fashionable  circles 
of  city  society  for  the  universe  ;  it  would  soon  rob  her  of  all  that  makes 
her  dear  to  me,  her  truth,  sincerity,  and  love  for  her  father.  The 
bright  hues  of  health  would  not  only  fade  from  her  cheeks,  and  her 
eyes  become  dull  and  lustreless,  but  her  high  sense  of  honor  would 
soon  dwindle,  and  she  become  conniving  and  cunning.  Envy,  jeal 
ously  and  false  pride  would  soon  take  possession  of  her  heart,  and 
chase  from  their  places  all  the  nobler  virtues  that  now  abide  there, 
she  would  become  cold  and  heartless.  God  save  her  from  such  a  fate, 
is  a  father's  prayer  for  his  innocent  daughter.  She  has  plenty  of  asso 
ciates  in  the  immediate  neighborhood,  and  my  mountain  home  is  the 
place  for  my  woodland  child.  I  do  not  wish  her  to  know  the  world 
and  its  wickedness,  or  to  be  a  prey  to  fortune-hunters.  My  invest- 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

ments  in  California  have  paid  well ;  my  ranches  yield  a  handsome  in* 
come,  and  our  trade  with  China  has  quadrupled   my  fortune,  aside 
from  my  banking  interests  and  mining  stocks.     These  circumstances 
have  kept  me  in  the  minds  of  some  of  my  old  acquaintances  in  the 
East  who  have  marriageable  sons ;  yet,  in  all  my  travels,  I  have  met 
but  one  man  I  would  have  for  a  son-in-law,  and  that  man  is  Henry 
Pettybone.     He  is  a  little  old  for  Alice,  but  that  is  the  only  objection 
that  can  be  raised  to  him.     I  know  that  in  such  matters   I  am  fas 
tidious,  almost  too  much  so,  yet  this  cannot  be  alleged  as  a  fault.     He 
loves  my  daughter — yes,  proud,  worthy  man  that  he  is,  he  has  lost  his 
noble  heart  to  my  mountain  nymph,  and,  should  she  reciprocate,  I  cannot 
raise  an  objection.     It  would  be  a  pleasure  to  see  her  loved  and  cher 
ished  by  such  a  man  as  he  is,  a  man  who  believes  so  devoutly  in 
female  sovereignty,  for  I  know  I  cannot  stay  with  her  much  longer. 
There  is  a  fluttering  or  palpitation  about  my  heart,  oftentimes,  and  I 
feel  I  have  no  chance  of  escape  from  a  disease  that  carried  both  my 
parents  to  early  graves.     Alice  is  the  anxiety  of  my  life.     If  she  was 
suitably  married,  I  should  not  cling  to  it  with  such  tenacity.     But 
gloomy  forebodings  come  crowding  upon  my  mind,  until  I  reel  like  a 
drunken  man  beneath  the  overpowering  weight.     Misgivings  oppress 
me.     Fears  for  the  future  intrude  themselves.     I  must  and  will  be 
happy  for  her  sake,  and  for  the  sake  of  the  one  that  is  gone.     I  must  let 
this  dull,  unsocial  hour  call  up  the  musing  spirit  of  the  past  and  peo 
ple  my  heart  with  its  fairy  guests.     Life  at  best  is  short ;  why  mourn 
and  grieve  and  '  groan  and  sweat  beneath  a  weary  life,'  when  we  can 
and  ought  to  be  happy  ?     Why  not  pass  along  life's  highway  and 
gather  only  the  flowers  ?    Why  not  leave  the  thistles  ?   They  are  burden 
some,  and  filch  our  lives  away  in  passing  through  '  time  to  eternity.' 
I  have  one  time-lasting  jewel,  upon  which  I  can  depend,  upon  which 
I  can  lean  at  all  times  and  under  all  circumstances — a  daughter's  love. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  85 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


ALL    HALLOW-EEN. 

"  She  loves,  but  knows  not  whom  she  loves, 
Nor  what  his  race,  nor  whence  he  came, 
Like  one  who  meets,  in  Indian  groves, 
Some  beauteous  bird  without  a  name." 

The  soft  shades  of  twilight  had  deepened  into  night,  and  darkness 
would  have  gathered  the  scene  to  herself  but  that  "stars  were  in  the 
quiet  skies  "  and  the  moon  canopied  the  earth  with  her  silver  rays. 
Alice  Heartland,  .in  her  simple  India  muslin  dress,  her  complexion 
scarcely  less  fair,  stood  upon  the  door-step  of  her  father's  spacious 
dwelling  awaiting  the  arrival  of  her  guests.  In  sight  was  Truckee 
river,  dimpling  and  eddying  as  it  went.  Two  miles  farther  onward 
it  found  its  outlet  from  a  rock-bound  basin  and  went  babbling  on 
down  the  mountains.  All  that  art  could  add  to  nature  had  been  done 
to  enhance  the  surroundings.  Fruits  and  flowers  from  every  clime 
were  gathered  there.  Of  these  blessings,  Alice  Heartland  knew 
nothing.  She  took  them  as  a  matter  of  course,  for  she  had  never 
known  anything  else,  and  it  is  only  by  comparison  that  we  learn  to 
value  the  good  that  falls  to  our  lot.  Here,  in  this  land  of  the  West, 
are  many  beautiful  homes,  surrounded  by  decorative  art.  Here,  in  this 
land  of  the  setting  sun,  the  "  last  of  Western  lands  he  shines  upon," 
fruits  are  abundant  and  Nature  wears  her  summer  garb  almost  all  the 
year. 

Alice  gazed  upon  the  lovely  scene  around  her,  but  gave  it  no 
thought.  Her  heart  was  full  of  greetings  to  be  uttered  as  soon  as  her 
expected  friends  should  arrive.  She  patted  her  dainty  foot  upon  the 
door-step  and  looked  impatiently  down  the  avenue ;  seeing  nothing, 
she  glanced  to  the  north  side  of  the  house.  There  was  the  light  burn- 


86  Takoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

ng  in  the  tower.  This  did  not  attract  her  attention,  for  she  did  not 
emember  the  time  when,  night  or  day,  that  red  light  was  not  burn 
ing  there.  With  her  it  created  no  wonder.  But  beyond  was  the  lake 
glistening  in  the  moonlight.  She  raised  her  eyes  to  heaven,  then  to 
earth  again,  and  bounded,  with  child-like  glee,  down  the  graveled 
pathway  and  stood  upon  the  white  and  pink  shells  at  the  water's  edge. 
It  is  impossible  to  conceive  a  lovelier  scene.  Each  star  seemed  a  dif 
ferent  color,  and  was  reflected  in  gem-like  beauty  from  the  lake  below. 
The  ruby  mingled  with  the  sapphire's  light,  surrounded  each  with  a 
golden  purple  setting.  Then  came  the  silvery  moonbeams,  "floating 
through  the  radiant  ether,"  resting  on  the  blue  lake's  quivering  wa 
ters,  shivering  into  fragments,  flitting  and  dancing  about  in  diamond- 
like  beauty  But  the  brightest  jewel  there  was  the  maiden. 

"  Ne'er  did  Grecian  chisel  trace 
A  Nymph,  a  Naiad  or  a  Grace 
With  finer  form  or  lovelier  face." 

The  Kissing  breeze  touched  her  cheek  and  gently  waved  her  flow- 
ng  hair,  adorned  by  "buds  of  roses,"  virgin  flowers,  that  shed  their 
delicate  perfume  around  her  head.  Upon  her  bosom  the  white  cam- 
elia  japonica  rose  and  fell  with  its  gentle  swellings,  and  wafted  its 
rich  incense  abroad.  She  stood,  her  bare  arms  and  neck  unequaled 
save  in  "painters'  dreams,"  the  owner — 

"  Of  eyes  that  pass  with  fitful  light, 
Like  fire-flies  on  the  wing  at  night." 

She  seemed  the  queen  of  the  fairy-land  around  her,  with  noble 
beauty  endowed,  to  "  show  how  angels  look  in  heaven."  She  stooped 
to  the  radiant  water,  and  in  its  coolness  laved  her  dimpled  hands, 
and  chased  the  bursting  bubbles  with  her  rosy  fingers.  "  I'll  try  my 
fortune,"  she  said,  and  her  voice  floated  like  low,  soft  music  on  the 
moonlit  air.  She  made  a  sign  of  the  cross  with  her  hand  on  the  glit 
tering  surface,  then  with  both  her  palms  parted  the  laughing  crystals, 
and,  with  beaming  eyes,  gazed  into  the  watery  mirror ;  playfully  at 
first,  then  seriously,  earnestly,  intently.  Startled  by  what  she  had  seen, 
she  quickly  arose  and  looked  timidly  around  her  ;  another  instant  and 
her  trembling  feet  were  turned  toward  the  house,  and,  fleet  as  a  young 
fawn,  she  retraced  her  steps.  With  a  single  bound  she  cleared  the 
doorway  and  entered  the  hall.  She  paused  to  breathe  a  moment  be 
fore  going  into  the  brilliantly-lighted  drawing-room,  where  she  found 
some  of  the  guests  already  assembled  and  Miss  Hubblestubble  play 
ing  hostess.  With  flushed  face  and  fluttering  heart,  she  greeted  them 
and  in  quivering  tones  spoke  her  welcome.  Then  she  hurriedly  left 
them  for  her  own  chamber  to  collect  her  scattered  thoughts  and  calm 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  87 

herself  to  receive  the  rest  of  her  coming  visitors.  Old  Bertina  followed 
her,  wondering  what  "ailed  the  child."  Alone  in  her  own  room  with 
her  mother's  nurse  and  maid,  for  Bertina  was  all  this  and  more  to  her, 
her  pent-up  feelings  would  have  sway.  She  threw  her  arms  around 
Bertina's  neck  and  wept  aloud  :  "  Bertie !  oh,  Bertie !  I  have  been 
so  frightened,"  she  exclaimed  between  her  sobs.  Then  she  told  her 
nurse  how  she  had  gone,  in  playful  mood,  to  the  lake  to  try  her  for 
tune.  How,  in  the  watery  mirror,  she  had  seen  a  handsome,  manly 
face,  whose  flashing  eyes  had  returned  her  glance.  How,  after  look 
ing  a  moment  to  be  sure  it  was  no  fancy,  she  had  fled  from  the  place. 
Bertina  ridiculed  her  statement,  and  told  her  to  keep  her  secret,  lest 
she  be  laughed  at  by  the  merry  crowd  below.  "  I  must  watch  you 
closer,  Miss  Alice,"  she  said  ;  "you  must  not  be  going  out  at  night  by 
yourself,  finding  all  sorts  of  scary  things.  I  was  just  going  to  hunt 
you  up  when  I  seed  you  tearing  up  to  de  house  like  something  was 
arter  you.  It  was  real  funny  to  see  you.  Ole  Bertina  didn't  know 
her  baby  could  run  so  fast,  especially  from  nothing."  Alice  smiled  in 
spite  of  herself,  and,  after  readjusting  her  disordered  dress  with  Ber 
tina's  aid,  she  bathed  the  traces  of  tears  from  her  face,  and,  resolving 
to  take  Bertina's  advice  and  keep  her  secret  to  herself,  she  descended 
to  the  parlors  and  tried  to  be  the  gayest  of  the  gay.  But  the  ^even 
ing's  adventure  haunted  her,  and  mirrored  on  her  soul  was  the  image 
she  had  seen.  She  tried  to  cast  it  aside  as  a  fancy,  but,  if  fancy  it  was, 
it  was  the  brightest  one  of  her  life.  Time  and  again  she  caught  her 
self  totally  oblivious  of  her  surroundings,  in  deep  reverie,  recalling 
again  and  again  the  face  as  she  had  seen  it.  Could  it  be  clairvoy 
ance  ?  Would  she  ever  see  that  face  in  reality  ?  or  was  it  but  a 
golden  dream  that  time  would  obliterate.  No  ;  time  could  not  anni 
hilate  it.  It  would  be  in  the  future  as  it  was  now — an  ever  present 
thought.  She  would  not  forget  it  if  she  could.  But  she  must  now 
postpone  her  present  meditations  and  devote  herself  to  the  entertain 
ment  of  her  guests.  She  made  an  effort  to  arouse  herself,  and  said  : 

"  Father,  suppose  we  have  a  game  of  flowers  ?  Will  you,  Major 
Pettybone  ?  Miss  Hubblestubble,  will  you  join  us  ?  Have  this  seat, 
and  this ;  here,  father,  come  this  way,  and  let  us  form  a  circle." 

"  It  will  be  the  very  thing,  my  daughter,"  said  Colonel  Heartland 
somewhat  relieved,  for  Alice's  abstraction  had  annoyed  and  puzzled 
him  exceedingly.  Up  to  this  time,  she  had  paid  Major  Pettybone  no 
attention,  in  fact,  had  not  noticed  him  at  all.  The  Major,  contrary  to 
the  expectation  of  his  host,  had  been  making  himself  very  agreeable 
to  Miss  Hubblestubble ;  who,  already  began  to  think  him  the  nicest 
gentleman  in  the  world,  while  she  regarded  Colonel  Heartland  as  a 
bear,  by  comparison. 


88  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Now,"  said  Alice,  "  each  one  must  take  the  name  of  some  flower, 
and  whisper  that  name  to  me.  Then  aloud  each  must  choose  a  flower 
and  tell  what  he  intends  doing  with  it."  She  went  the  rounds  with 
her  pencil  and  paper,  writing  the  name  of  each,  and  the  flower  that 
he  or  she  had  chosen,  after  each  name.  She  wrote  lastly,  her  own 
name  and  glancing  for  a  moment  at  the  japonica  on  her  bosom,  she 
wrote  the  name  of  that  beautiful  flower  as  her  chosen  one.  There 
was  one  who  saw  that  glance  and  rightfully  interpreted  it.  Her  girl 
ish  friends  were  the  first  she  questioned.  They  chose  and  were  chosen 
in  their  turn.  The  merry  play  proceeded  and  enjoyment  was  at  its 
height,  when  Major  Pettybone's  time  came.  Miss  Hubblestubble 
looked  wistfully  at  him  ;  she  had  chosen  a  violet,  a  white  violet,  as  her 
flower  and  tried  to  whisper  it  loud  enough  for  him  to  hear  it,  when 
Alice  was  taking  down  the  names.  Alice  put  the  question,  "  What 
flower  do  you  choose  ?" 

"  The  white  japonica,"  he  replied  without  embarrassment. 

Miss  Hubblestubble  started,  so  did  Alice. 

"  What  do  you  intend  to  do  with  it?"  was  the  next  question. 

"  Wear  it  in  my  heart,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Who  is  it  ?     Who  is  it  ?  came  from  all  sides. 

"  It  is  Miss  Heartland,"  said  Alice  softly,  without  once  glancing  to 
wards  Major  Pettybone. 

"  Now,  father,  for  yours,  what  do  you  choose?" 

"  A  lily,"  he  said  gaily,  "and  be  guided  by  it  all  my  life." 

"Thank  you,"  said  Ella  Woodford,  the  youngest  girl  in  the  crowd, 
who  had  made  choice  of  the  lily.  "  How  do  you  like  that  arrange 
ment,  Alice  ?" 

"  My  daughter  will  be  pleased,  second  only  to  myself ;  so  Miss  Ella 
hold  yourself  in  readiness,"  said  Colonel  Heartland,  gallantly.  The 
girls  all  laughed,  and  turned  to  hear,  as  Alice  said,  "  Now  for  yours, 
Miss  Hubblestubble  ?" 

"  Well,  I'll  choose  the  jessamin  and  twine  it  in  my  hair,"  rang  out 
from  her  metallic  throat. 

There  was  a  pause  ;  an  awful  pause.  No  one  dared  ask  who  the 
jessamin  was.  It  was  plain  to  all.  Colonel  Heartland,  no  longer  able 
to  conceal  his  disgust,  rose  slowly  from  his  seat,  and  walked  to  the 
other  side  of  the  room  and  seated  himself  near  the  window.  All  looked 
on  Miss  Hubblestubble's  ashen  face.  The  spots  of  rouge  stood  out 
in  bold  relief  upon  her  blanched  cheeks,  and  indignation  fired  her  pale 
blue  eye.  She  hated,  she  despised  the  man  who  had  given  her  this 
rebuff,  and  she  would  make  his  heart  ache  for  it,  if  ever  she  had  the 
opportunity.  She  twitched  her  blue  reticule  nervously,  for  she  felt 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  89 

that  all  eyes  were  upon  her.  The  climax  had  been  capped,  the  play 
was  at  an  end.  The  young  people  were  too  well-bred  to  laugh  out 
right  ;  they  looked  on  in  apparent  consternation.  Things  grew  every 
moment  more  and  more  embarrassing.  Alice  stood  transfixed,  unable 
to  say  a  word. 

"  Miss  Hubblestubble,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  with  an  air  of  pro 
found  respect,  and  offering  his  arm,  "  there  is  a  picture  in  the  library, 
to  which  I  would  call  your  attention."  They  walked  away.  The 
younger  crowd  scattered  about  over  the  room  ;  among  the  books,  the 
flowers  and  the  pictures.  Colonel  Heartland  kept  his  seat.  His  face 
wore  a  heavy  frown.  "  I  would  give  millions,"  he  thought,  "  for  Pet- 
tybone's  ease  of  manners,  and  well-bred,  gentlemanly  bearing.  T  know 
I  did  wrong  to  show  my  disgust  so  plainly,  but  I  could  not  help  it. 
Strange  I  did  not  think  when  I  entered  the  game,  that  such  a  thing 
might  happen.  I  have  been  in  the  habit  of  jesting  so  much,  with  Al 
ice's  young  friends,  that  I  lost  sight  of  this  New  England  beauty  and 
her  '  blue  satchel." '  The  music  had  commenced  and  the  dancers 
were  taking  their  places.  He  moved  his  seat  farther  into  the  window 
as  Major  Pettybone  and  Miss  Hubblestubble  took  their  stand  near  him. 
She  led  her  partner  there  ;  she  wished  Colonel  Heartland  to  see  that 
she  was  appreciated,  and  that,  too,  by  the  most  elegant  gentleman 
present.  In  fact,  in  her  estimation,  the  only  gentleman  present ;  Col 
onel  Heartland  having  proven  himself  anything  else.  The  balance 
were  mere  boys.  The  merry  feet  treaded  the  mazes  of  the  dance,  and 
though  Miss  Hubblestubble  hopped  and  skipped  with  agility,  it  exci 
ted  neither  criticism  nor  comment,  for  the  young  people,  followed  the 
example  set  by  Major  Pettybone,  and  treated  her  with  profound  respect. 
An  occasional  side-long  glance  was  the  only  demonstration  made  by 
Colonel  Heartland.  The  dance  ended  ;  Major  Pettybone,  led  his  part 
ner  to  a  seat,  spoke  a  few  pleasant  words  and  crossed  over  to  where 
Alice  stood. 

"Miss  Heartland,"  he  said,  "you  are  all  eating  philopcenas ;  allow 
me  a  chance."  He  cracked  a  nut  and  handed  her  one  of  the  kernels- 

"  What  shall  it  be  ?"  she  asked,  taking  it  from  his  hand. 

"  Give  and  take,"  he  replied  ;  "  that  is,  if  I  should  offer  you  some 
thing  and  you  should  take  it  from  my  hand  as  you  did  the  nut,  just 
then  you  are  caught,  and  vice  versa.  So  be  on  your  guard,  Miss 
Alice." 

"  Let's  have  some  apples  and  name  and  count  the  seed,"  said  Alice ; 
"  Miss  Hubblestubble  will  join  us." 

"  Yes,"  said  that  lady,  hoarsely,  and,  coming  forward,  she  raised  her 
hand  to  shade  her  eyes  from  the  lamp-light,  and  looked  under  it  at 


90  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

Col.  Heartland,  who  sat  near,  almost  concealed  by  the  heavy  damask 
and  lace  curtains.  His  eyes  already  rested  on  her.  He  looked  at  the 
black  silk  dress  and  the  green  Canton  shawl,  and  finally  his  moving 
eyes  stopped  upon  the  blue  reticule,  as  its  steel  beads  gleamed  in  the 
light.  He  shuddered  slightly.  Their  eyes  met.  For  an  instant  he 
looked  daggers,  then,  wheeling  his  chair,  he  became  apparently  ab 
sorbed  in  the  moonlit  scene  without.  Miss  Hubblestubble  took  a 
chair,  and  seating  herself  with  her  back  towards  Col.  Heartland,  began 
peeling  her  apple. 

"Ella,"  said  Alice'  "how  is  it  ?"  She  glanced  uneasily  towards  her 
father.  She  had  never  seen  him  act  so  before. 

"  You  name  the  apple,"  said  Ella  Woodford,  "  then  count  the  seed 
and  say  the  old  rhyme  : 

•  One  I  love,  two  I  love, 

Three  I  love  to  say  ; 
Four  I  love  with  all  my  heart, 

Five  I  cast  away. 
Six  she  loves, 

Seven  he  loves, 
Eight  they  both  love, 

Nine  he  comes, 
Ten  he  tarries, 

Eleven  he  courts, 
Twelve  he  marries.'  " 

The  apples  were  cut,  and  each  counting  the  seed,  when  Major  Pet- 
tybone,  observing  that  Alice  had  no  apple,  took  down  the  stand  and 
held  it  towards  her.  Without  thinking  she  reached  forth  her  hand 
and  took  one  of  the  bright,  rosy  collection. 

" Philopoena,"  he  exclaimed,  and  "caught,  caught,"  was  heard  in  all 
directions. 

"We  forgot  to  stipulate  what  it  should  be,"  she  said. 

"So  we  did,"  he  replied;  "but  it  is  not  too  late  to  remedy  that 
forgetfulness.  Suppose  we  let  it  be  simply  a  word." 

"  A  word  ?"  echoed  Alice. 

"  Yes,  a  word ;  some  pleasant  word  that  we  all  like  sometimes  to 
hear." 

"  Music,  moonlight,  love  or  flowers,"  said  Ella  Woodford,  mischiev 
ously. 

"  You  are  right,  Miss  Ella,"  he  replied,  "  any  word  that  is  pleasant  to 
the  ear  or  soothing  to  the  heart." 

"  That  will  be  a  very  easy  payment  on  your  part,  Alice,"  continued 
Ella,  "  who  never  speak  anything  but  pleasant,  soothing  words." 

One  there  was  who  understood  the  allusion  better ;  that  person  was 
Augusta  Hubblestubble,  and  her  heart  sank  within  her.  The  truth 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  91 

flashed  upon  her  in  a  moment.  This  courtly  man,  whom  she  had 
learned  to  admire  so  much,  loved ;  and  the  object  of  his  love  was  the 
simple,  warm-hearted  Alice  Heartland.  She  could  not,  and  she  would 
not  stand  it.  She  would  break  this  match  or  she  would  break  her 
neck. 

But  there  was  another  whose  listening,  delighted  ear  had  heard  and 
placed  the  right  interpretation  upon  Major  Pettybone's  lightly-spoken 
words,  and  it  made  his  heart  rejoice.  That  person  was  Col.  Heart 
land.  The  merry  girls  continued  their  fortune-telling  with  the  apples, 
and  each  young  man  claimed  her  whose  name  his  apple  bore. 

Alice  blushingly  took  the  arm  offered  by  Major  Pettybone,  and 
began  to  promenade  the  halls,  library  and  parlor,  while  Miss  Hubble- 
stubble's  serpent  glance  followed  her.  He  poured  into  her  enraptured 
ear,  descriptions  of  places  and  things  he  had  seen  in  other  lands.  He 
talked  of  the  female  beauty  of  other  and  less  favored  climes.  He 
dwelt  with  marked  emphasis  upon  the  raven  hair  and  sparkling  eyes 
of  Italy's  beauteous  maidens,  and  told  how  he  had — 

"  Dwelt  within  the  old  white  walls  of  Cadiz, 
Listening  to  love's  melting  strains  breathed  o'er 
The  lutes  of  Spanish  ladies," 

Gradually  he  led  her  from  the  lighted  halls  to  the  moonlit  garden  of 
flowers,  and  there,  beneath  the  white  blossoming  woodland,  Margerite 
rose,  whose  pearly  clusters  have  so  long  been  typical  of  wedded  hap 
piness,  he  told  his  love.  She  raised  her  eyes  to  his.  The  look  he 
gave  in  return  was  such  as  a  man  gives  only  to  the  idol  of  his  heart. 
He  clasped  the  little  hand  in  his,  and,  sinking  upon  one  knee,  asked  if 
he  might  claim  the  one  word  he  had  so  justly  won — would  she  make 
him  happy  ?  He  loved  her  deeply !  madly,  intensely,  wildly,  loved 
her !  Would  she  be  his  eternally,  forever  ?  The  word  craved  was 
the  simple  "  Yes."  He  listened,  she  said  it,  and  he  was  happy.  "  It 
will  please  my  father,  she  thought,  as  she  made  the  vow — a  vow  so 
soon,  so  bitterly  regretted.  Fearing  they  would  be  missed,  he  led  her 
back  to  the  drawing-room,  a  happy,  happy  man — feeling  that  the  first 
young,  budding  love  of  her  nature  was  his.  She  thought  all  was  well 
enough.  She  knew  not  then  the  deep,  holy  feeling  of  love.  She 
admired  this  worthy,  grand  friend  of  her  father's,  and  knew  what  she 
had  done  would  receive  his  choicest  blessings,  His  bright,  versatile 
genius  had  captivated  her  fancy,  and  her  mind  was  fascinated  in  a 
childlike  manner.  But  the  heart  was  untouched,  save  that  the  hand 
of  friendship  had  swept  over  its  chordage  and  called  forth  a  few 
responsive  notes. 

'  My  father  seems  more  quiet  to-night  than  I  ever  saw  him,"  said 
Alice ;  "  I  hope  he  has  had  nothing  to  trouble  him." 


92  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Nothing  more,"  replied  her  companion,  "than  a  few  matrimonial 
passes  made  at  him  of  late,  by  your  esteemed  teacher." 

Alice  looked  at  him  reproachfully,  almost  indignantly,  and  said  : 
"  You  must  not  talk  of  Miss  Hubblestubble  in  this  way.  I  am  sure 
you  wrong  her." 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  Miss  Heartland,  I  did  not  intend  to  do  so.  I 
meant  no  disparagement  of  Miss  Hubblestubble ;  I  only  wished  to 
satisfy  you  in  regard  to  your  father's  mood.  Miss  Hubblestubble  be 
longs  to  that  numerous  class  of  women  who  are  out  for  a  husband. 
Unfortunately  for  Col.  Heartland,  she  has  set  her  heart  upon  him  as 
her  victim.  Having  been  but  little  in  the  society  of  women,  and  un 
accustomed  to  their  wiles  and  arts,  he  has  suffered  much  annoyance 
from  what  should  have  pleased  him.  I  am  sure  you  will  see  that  I 
look  with  as  much  charity  upon  Miss  Hubblestubble's  desires  to  ob 
tain  a  husband  as  you  do.  I  cannot  censure  her,  nor  can  I  blame  her 
for  the  choice  she  made  ;  I  do  not  think  you  can,  either— you  who  ap 
preciate  your  father  so  highly.  On  the  contrary,  if  I  judge  you  right, 
I  think  you  would  have  been  offended  if  she  had  not  admired  him, 
knowing,  as  you  must,  how  worthy  the  admiration  of  all  he  is.  Is  it  a 
wonder,  then,  that  a  heart  floating  around  loosely  should  have  lodged 
in  that  direction  ?" 

Alice  smiled  in  spite  of  herself. 

"  Col.  Heartland,"  continued  Major  Pettybone,  "  knows  not  how  to 
parry  these  little  assaults,  and  takes  umbrage  at  that  by  which  he  should 
be  flattered.  Seeing  how  this  state  of  affairs  has  annoyed  my  friend, 
I  resolved  to  shield  him  from  further  uneasiness  on  that  score,  I  have 
to-night  tried,  and,  I  think,  succeeded  in  directing  her  attention  from 
him,  for  a  while  at  least.  I  will  be  the  honored  recipient  of  those  'fossil' 
remains  she  calls  her  affections." 

"  Do  you  mean,"  said  Alice,  and  he  sank  low  in  her  estimation, 
"that  you  would  jilt  Miss  Hubblestubble  ?" 

'•  By  no  means.  There  are  wandering  hearts  seeking  something  on 
which  to  rest ;  Col.  Heartland  groaned  beneath  the  weight  of  one  of 
these.  I  simply  lift  this  weight  and  support  it  until  it  passes  to  the 
next  object.  It  is  a  kind  of  love  that  fills  the  hearts  of  ladies  of  an 
uncertain  age,  and  is  movable  or  transferable  from  one  object  to  an 
other,  as  circumstances  or  occasion  may  require.  Sometimes  it  is  the 
result  of  feeling,  oftener  of  calculation.  If  of  the  first,  surely  the 
ladies  are  not  to  blame,  since  '  human  love  is  not  the  growth  of  human 
will.'  I  would  be  the  last  to  censure  that  which  confers  so  much 
happiness  on  my  sex.  It  would  evidence  a  want  of  appreciation  to 
which  I  would  not  plead  guilty.  If  the  calculation  of  future  or  self- 
interest  be  the  cause,  should  we  not  rather  commend  than  withdraw 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  93 

our  admiration  ?  For  my  part,  I  think  a  man  should  feel  flattered  when 
a  woman  who  has  reached  the  age  of  discretion  singles  him  out  as  a  fit 
person  on  whom  to  bestow  her  mature  affections.  They  do  no  harm  ; 
are  not  crafty,  but  only  considerate  of  their  own  future  ;  and  it  is  not 
selfish  to  look  after  what  we  think  will  contribute  to  our  happiness, 
especially  when  in  doing  so  we  expect  to  make  others  happy.  I  hope, 
Miss  Heartland,  you  are  convinced  I  meant  no  disrespect  to  '  Miss 
Augusta,'  as  she  desires  that  I  shall  hereafter  call  her.  I  am  an  ad 
mirer  of  woman-kind,  from  Mother  Eve  to  her  youngest  daughters, 
and  I  would  not,  for  the  whole  of  creation,  be  ungallant  or  inconsid- 
ate  towards  them." 

This  air  of  much  humility  caused  Alice  to  laugh  gleefully ;  but  as 
she  came  into  the  room  where  she  saw  her  father  seated,  as  she  had 
left  him,  looking  sadly  out  of  the  window,  she  grew  grave.  Major 
Pettybone  marked  the  change,  and  leading  her  up  to  him,  said : 

"  Col.  Heartland,  you  have  been  watching  the  window ;  what  ghost 
or  goblin  have  you  discovered  this  Hallow-een  ?" 

"  I've  seen  nothing  outside,"  he  said,  "  but  the  devil  is  on  the  inside." 
He  glanced  toward  Miss  Hubblestubble.  Afterwards  he  arose 
quickly  and  went  into  the  library.  They  both  turned  and  looked  at 
Miss  Hubblestubble.  She  flew  back  and  forth  in  the  mazes  of  the 
dance,  her  tall  form  swaying  to  and  fro  like  a  long  reed  on  an  eastern 
prairie. 

The  young  gentlemen  vied  \vith  each  other  in  paying  her  attention, 
and  in  claiming  her  as  a  partner  in  the  dance.  The  delicate,  manly 
manner  in  which  Major  Pettybone  had  treated  her  served  as  an  exam 
ple  to  his  younger  friends,  and,  despite  Col.  Heartland's  rebuff,  she 
enjoyed  the  evening  to  her  heart's  content.  Alice  was  amused  by  her 
father's  speech  and  manner,  and  was  now  satisfied  that  Major  Petty- 
bone's  explanation  of  his  conduct  was  correct.  But  where  was  Wal 
ter  Woodford  ?  it  was  getting  late,  and  he  and  his  friend  had  not 
arrived. 


94  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California* 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


THE   HALLOW-EEN    PARTY,    CONTINUED. 

Walter  Woodford  and  his  friend  had  been  detained  longer  than  they 
wished,  on  account  of  letters  for  Aldridge  from  San  Francisco,  which, 
he  said,  required  immediate  answers,  and  Walter  had  remained  with 
his  friend  until  this  task  had  been  accomplished.  They  were  wel 
comed  cordially  by  Col.  Heartland  on  their  arrival  at  the  villa,  and  in 
another  instant  young  Woodford  entered  the  room,  closely  followed 
by  his  friend.  He  stepped  gracefully  forward,  took  Alice's  hand,  and, 
turning,  introduced  Mr.  Aldridge.  Alice  courtesied  low,  gave  one 
glance  at  the  stranger,  and  stood  riveted  to  the  spot  A  deep  silence 
followed.  Still  she  stood,  statue-like,  growing  whiter  and  whiter. 
Her  colorless  lips  parted,  and  the  one  word,  "  father,"  escaped  them. 
Instantly  Col.  Heartland  was  at  his  daughter's  side,  her  head  pillowed 
on  his  bosom,  and  his  manly  arm  supporting  her.  Major  Pettybone 
rushed  for  water,  and  placed  the  sparkling  goblet  near  her  lips,  saying. 
"  Drink  a  little,  just  a  little."  The  sound  of  his  voice  startled  her  into 
consciousness.  She  gave  him  a  look  of  cold  disdain,  and  pushed  the 
goblet  almost  rudely  from  her.  Looking  around  upon  the  company, 
without  glancing  towards  the  spot  where  Aldridge  stood,  she  said  : 
"  It  is  nothing  ;  my  head  ached  and  I  grew  dizzy.  I  am  well  again." 
With  her  woman's  tact  she  disengaged  herself  from  her  anxious 
father's  gentle  embrace,  and  mingled  with  her  guests  again.  She 
quelled  the  emotions  of  her  fluttering  heart,  and  flitted,  fairy-like,  hither 
and  thither,  speaking  a  kindly  word  to  each  and  every  one.  The  tem 
porary  interruption  of  the  evening's  pleasure  was  soon  forgotten,  and 
the  merry  laughter  and  pleasant  converse  from  gay  and  happy  hearts 
was  heard  again  on  all  sides.  Sweet  music  floated  out  on  the  per 
fumed  air,  and  busy  feet  attested  that  enjoyment  had  again  attained 
its  height. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  95 

"  Will  Miss  Alice  honor  me  this  set  ?  "  said  Walter  Woodford ;  and 
he  led  her  to  a  place  on  the  floor  vis-a-vis  to  Major  Pettybone  and 
Miss  Hubblestuble.  Alice  could  scarcely  suppress  a  smile  when  she 
saw  them  and  remembered  all  that  he  had  said. 

"  Why  was  Mr.  Woodford  and  his  friend  so  late  ?  "  asked  Alice. 

"  Mr.  Aldridge  received  letters  of  importance  this  evening,"  said 
young  Woodford,  "  that  required  immediate  answers,  after  which  he 
went  to  meet  the  stage  at  the  nearest  point  as  it  passed  the  mountain 
road  that  leads  this  way,  that  they  might  be  dispatched  to-night.  The 
coach  was  detained,  and  being  my  guest,  I  awaited  his  return,  in  order 
to  introduce  him  here  to  my  friends.  All  the  ladies  think  him  charm 
ing.  How  do  you  like  him,  Miss  Heartland  ?  " 

"  I  can  scarcely  tell  as  yet,"  said  Alice.  "  He  is  exceedingly  hand 
some,  and  I  noticed  gray  hairs  ;  strange  for  one  so  young." 

"  Yes,  his  hair  is  slightly  whitened.  His  early  trouble,  of  which  I 
told  you,  is  the  cause.  I  do  not  think  his  age  warrants  any  other 
supposition.  Besides,  if  he  were  really  old  enough  to  have  gray  hairs, 
he  would  be  sure  to  dye  it.  Make  no  other  engagement  for  the  next 
set — he  will  ask  you,  and  I  wish  you  to  become  better  acquainted  with 
him." 

The  dance  ended,  Woodford  seated  his  partner  and  rejoined  his 
friend. 

"  Is  she  not  beautiful  ?"  said  Aldridge. 

"  Did  I  not  tell  you  so  ?"  said  Woodford.  "  She  would  be  a  queen 
in  society,  but  she  prefers  her  woodland  home  and  her  father's  com 
pany  to  anything  else  in  the  world." 

"  I  do  not  like  her  father — I  knew  I  would  not.  He  eyed  me  for 
awhile  as  if  I  had  been  a  bandit ;  but  the  daughter  is  divine ;  your  de 
scriptions  fall  short,  far  short,  of  the  reality."  (Then  observing  that 
Alice,  though  some  distance  from  him,  with  her  back  turned  towards 
them,  was  listening,  he  raised  his  voice  and  said  :)  "  Why,  man,  she 
is  as  beautiful  and  transcending  in  her  influences  as  Shelley's  '  Witch 
of  Atlas.'  Grace  is  in  her  every  movement ;  yet  so  simple,  so  child 
like,  so  seemingly  dependent  on  her  father.  A  poet  hath  said  '  a 
thing  of  beauty  is  a  joy  forever.'  I  fully  realize  this  truth.  I  think, 
my  friend,  it  would  be  safest  and  best  for  me  to  fly  some  of  these 
gentle  influences  ere  it  is  too  late.  Suppose  we  ride  back  to  your 
house  immediately." 

"  No,"  replied  Woodford,  "  I  could  not  let  you  be  so  rude,  it  matters 
not  what  your  danger  may  be  ;  besides,  I  would  have  something  to 
lose  in  that  event ;  I  would  not  have  them  think  I  had  brought  such 
an  ill-mannered  person  here  as  you  would  prove  yourself  to  be  by 


g6  Tahoe:  or^Life  in  California. 

such  conduct ;  besides,  we  have  not  had  our  fortunes  told,  or  in  any 
way  joined  in  the  Hallow-een  festival.  You  have  paid  our  young 
hostess  no  attention.  I  told  her  you  would  claim  her  hand  for  the 
next  set." 

"  Well,  I  suppose  if  I  must  I  must.  I  will  endeavor  to  steel  my 
heart  against  the  consequences.  I  give  you  fair  warning ;  you  are 
leading  me  into  temptation  by  detaining  me.  It  has  been  many  years 
since  I  cared  for  bright  eyes  and  ruby  lips,  but  I  may  not  be  strong 
enough  to  withstand  them  on  this  occasion." 

"  Stop  your  nonsense,  Aldridge,"  said  Woodford,  "  and  ask  Miss 
Heartland's  hand  for  the  next  quadrille  ;  I  intended  doing  so  myself, 
but  have  waived  my  opportunity  in  your  favor ;  I  told  her  to  make  no 
other  engagement.  I  have  told  her  so  much  about  you — don't  make 
me  regret  having  done  so.  Be  yourself,  Aldridge,  for  her  expectations 
in  regard  to  you  are  very  high.  Do  not  disappoint  her  ;  what  are  you 
gazing  at  ?  Why  do  you  not  go  ?  I  have  never  seen  you  so  dull  and 
void  of  gallantry,  both  in  speech  and  manners.  There,  she  has  walked 
to  the  other  side  of  the  room  ;  now  is  your  chance  ;  go."  Thus  urged, 
almost  forced,  Aldridge  approached  Alice  and  asked:  "Can  I  have 
the  honor  of  Miss  Heartland's  hand  for  the  next  set  ?" 

Alice  was  looking  towards  him  when  he  started,  but  as  he  advanced 
she  turned  her  head  ;  but  when  he  spoke  she  raised  her  large,  full  eyes 
to  his,  a  deep  flush  overspread  her  face ;  she  took  his  arm  without  a 
word,  walked  to  their  place  on  the  floor,  and  moved  off  in  the  mazy 
dance  "  as  graceful  as  the  lily  flower  on  the  blue  lake's  heaving  waters." 
He  was  the  first  to  break  the  silence. 

"  Do  you  like  dancing  ?"  be  asked. 

"  Very  much,"  was  her  reply,  "  if  we  have  good  music." 

Then  on  and  on  he  led  the  conversation,  until  all  restraint  between 
them  was  at  an  end.  He  told  her  of  his  West  Point  life  ;  of  his  fol 
lies  and  boyish  loves  while  there ;  of  other  and  far-off  lands,  and  the 
maidens  he  had  met.  She  listened  and  questioned  him  with  interest, 
for  it  was  of  himself  that  he  spoke,  and  everything  concerning  him 
now  interested  her.  She  listened  with  rapt  attention  as  his  low,  melo 
dious  voice  recounted  his  many  adventures.  He  spoke  of  his  fancies, 
"  for,"  said  he,  "  were  they  not  fancies — bright  dreams  that  had  no 
realities ;  the  passing  hallucinations  of  the  hour ;  the  wild  witcheries 
of  a  young  imagination  ?  Then,  as  I  grew  older,  other  hopes  came — 
more  reasonable,  truer,  deeper.  They,  too,  had  their  rise  and  decline. 
They,  too,  were  consigned  to  the  past.  Since,  others  have  arisen ; 
not  less  beautiful,  not  less  tempting  to  the  heart,  to  cast  aside  all  bar- 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  97 

riers  and  fly  to  a  kindred  one— one,  I  dare  hope,  will  throb  in  unison 
with  my  own.     I  see  her  now,  the  beauteous  one — 

'  Prometheus-like  from  heaven  she  stol:, 

The  fire  that  through  those  silken  lashes, 
In  darkest  glances  seems  to  roll 
From  eyes  that  cannot  hide  their  flashes.' 

"  But  I  weary  you,  Miss  Heartland,  talking  to  you  so  much  about 
myself,  my  future  hopes,"  etc. 

"  Do  go  on,"  she  said,  encouragingly;  "  I  am  very  much  interested." 

"We  will  meet  again  soon,"  he  said,  "and  then,  if  you  have  the 
patience,  I  will  tell  you  more  of  my  slumbering  fancies  and  waking 
dreams." 

Thus,  this  man,  schooled  in  the  art  of  pleasing  women,  and  skilled 
in  the  use  of  beautiful  language,  won  his  way  to  her  confidence,  and, 
assisted  by  the  phantom  face  she  had  seen  in  the  lake,  laid  siege  to 
her  innocent  heart.  She  did  not  resist,  but  surrendered  at  once,  for 
getting,  in  her  happy  fancies,  her  plighted  faith  was  another's.  A  wave 
of  the  hand,  a  gallant  bow,  and  he  turned  away.  The  happy,  happy 
hours  had  sped ;  too  quickly  gone,  and  the  guests  were  taking  their 
leave  ere  she  awoke  from  her  reverie.  They  thanked  her  for  the  en 
joyment  of  the  evening,  and  wished  her  much  happiness  as  each 
Hallow-een  should  revolve  again.  They  laughingly  called  her  Queen 
of  the  Fairies,  inasmuch  as  she  had  placed  a  spell  upon  them  all,  from 
which  they  would  not  soon  recover.  The  talisman  of  witchery  was 
hers,  and  she  had  wielded  it  well.  Col.  Heartland  gave  a  sigh  of  re 
lief  as  he  rose  to  retire.  Just  then  Aldridge  stepped  forward  to  bid 
him  good  evening,  and  Alice  marked  how  coldly  he  said  "  Good 
night,"  without  extending  his  hand,  or  asking  the  stranger  to  call 
again.  But  she  did  not  notice  Aldridge  ;  how  the  blood  flew  from  his 
coward  lips,  and  his  villainous  eyes  fell  before  the  straightforward  gaze 
of  her  father.  Had  she  seen  it,  perhaps,  her  innocent  eyes  might 
have  recognized  as  "  mild  a  mannered  man  as  ever  cut  a  throat  or 
scuttled  a  ship."  Not  seeing  it,  she  attributed  her  father's  coldness 
to  prejudice  against  a  stranger,  and  a  fear  that  that  stranger  might 
come  between  herself  and  the  friend  on  whom  he  wished  to  bestow 
his  daughter's  hand.  This  man,  who  had  so  earnestly  striven  to  keep 
suspicions  of  all  kinds  from  his  daughter's  heart,  was  now  suspected 
by  her  of  allying  himself  with  Major  Pettybone  for  the  accomplish 
ment  of  that  gentleman's  wishes.  Against  this  her  heart  revolted. 
She  did  not  doubt  her  father's  love,  and  that  he  was  endeavoring  to 
do  the  best  for  her.  But  she  thought  him  prejudiced,  as  much  in 
the  favor  of  Major  Pettybone  as  he  was  against  Aldridge.  She  had 


98  fahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

never  opposed  his  will,  and  would  not  do  so  now ;  but  the  more  she 
thought  of  it,  the  more  she  loved  her  father  and  disliked  the  man  he 
favored.  A  moment,  and  she  regretted  that  she  should  ever  even 
have  differed  from  her  father's  views.  She  went  up  to  him  and  silently 
received  his  good  night's  blessing.  He  pressed  her  to  his  heart,  and, 
with  a  simple  good  night  to  Miss  Hubblestubble,  she  left  them  for  her 
room. 

"  Col.  Heartland,"  said  Miss  Hubblestubble,  "  Major  Pettybone  is  a 
pleasant,  intelligent  person." 

"  He  most  certainly  is,"  replied  Col.  Heartland ;  "  but  I  must  bid 
you  good  night,  for  the  'wee  small'  hours  have  come,"  and  bowing 
politely,  he  passed  through  the  hall  to  his  chamber,  musing:  "Well, 
Pettybone  is  in  for  it  now  ;  no  matter,  he  did  it  himself,  and  I  am  re 
lieved  of  the  nuisance  and  can  afford  to  be  jocular  at  his  expense.  I 
feel  much  better  already,  and  can  now  tolerate  this  woman.  She  was 
getting  unbearable,  but  since  she  has  shifted  her  affections  I  can  bet 
ter  stand  her."  In  a  few  moments  he  had  given  himself  to  sleep,  and 
rested  better  than  he  had  done  since  her  arrival  at  the  villa. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


"  Love,  all-defying  love,  who  sees 
No  charm  in  trophies  won  at  ease  ; 
Whose  rarest,  dearest  fruits  of  bliss 
Are  plucked  on  danger's  precipice." 

Reaching  her  own  room,  Alice  dismissed  old  Bertina  with  "  That'll 
do,  Bertie  ;  thank  you  ;  you  can  go  now."  And  she  was  alone.  Dis 
robed,  her  white  night  dress  hung  in  classic  folds  around  her.  Her  long, 
dark  hair  fell  in  waves  over  her  back  and  shoulders.  The  crimsoned 
spots  on  her  cheeks  had  assumed  a  fevered  hue,  and  her  eyes  "  too  wildly 
flashed,  too  darkly  seemed."  She  stood  before  her  mirror  beneath 
the  bright  light  of  her  chandelier;  but  she  thought  not  of  the  beauty 
reflected  there.  Her  full  heart  was  throbbing  in  nervous  agitation  as 
she  mused  upon  the  events  of  the  past  few  hours.  "  It  was  the  same 
face,"  she  thought,  "the very  same,  I  saw  in  the  lake.  I  wonder  how 
I  could  have  imagined  a  face  so  like  his.  But  there  is  a  double  reason 
why  I  should  banish  him  from  my  mind.  He  has  almost  told  me  he  is 
in  love  with  a  maiden  who  is  fair  beyond  comparison,  that  his  hopes 
of  success  are  high.  He  said  he  would  tell  me  more  when  we  met 
again,  and  that  we  will  meet  again  soon.  As  painful  as  it  will  be,  I 
wish  to  hear  it  all — yes,  I  wish  to  hear  how  he  can  love  another.  I  would 
give  life  itself  to  possess  his  heart,  and  yet  I  must  listen  to  him  as  he  tells 
me  how  it  has  been  laid  at  the  feet  of  this  goddess  of  his  soul.  Oh  !  I 
cannot,  I  cannot !  This  fevered  brain  will  burst  this  aching  head,  and 
reason  will  totter !  I  am  here  alone — I,  the  affianced  wife  of  Major 
Pettybone,  my  father's  best  friend.  Oh,  that  I  had  a  friend  !  One  that 
I  could  lean  upon  in  this  dark  and  trying  hour  of  my  life.  I  dare  not 
go  to  my  father,  and  it  is  the  first  time  in  my  life  that  I  feel  ashamed  to  do 
so.  My  heart  contains  a  secret  to  sacred  even  for  his  knowledge.  He  has 
always  so  gently  entreated  my  confidence  ;  how  can  I  withhold  it  from 


too  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

him  ?  Yet  how  can  I  tell  him  ?  I  must  not  allow  myself  to  think  of 
it ;  it  will  madden  me.  Major  Pettybone's  friendship  is  valued  by 
father,  and  he  would  never  forgive  his  daughter  for  playing  him  false- 
I  would  do  anything  rather  than  brave  my  father's  displeasure.  Had 
I  discarded  him  at  the  outset,  it  would  have  been  different ;  but  to  ac 
cept  and  then  discard  him,  would  be  unpardonable.  Come  what  may, 
I  will  keep  my  engagement  with  Major  Pettybone.  It  will  be  a  sacri 
fice,  but  I  would  infinitely  rather  sacrifice  myself  than  cause  the  man 
who  has  been  so  good  a  father  one  moment's  pain,  I  cannot  stand 
that  he  should  lose  confidence  in  his  idolized  child.  He  could  not,  he 
would  not,  forgive  her  for  what  he  would  most  certainly  consider  a 
dishonorable  flirtation,  and  the  victim  of  that  flirtation  his  devoted  and 
best  friend.  Where  is  my  diary  ?  Perhaps  I  can  forget  for  a  moment 
while  writing." 

She  opened  her  diary  and  made  the  following  entry  opposite  to  the 
date  of  October  3ist : 

"  A  day  of  happiness  ;  a  night  of  misery.  Major  Pettybone,  of  Pet 
tybone  Hall,  the  cause  of  all  my  trouble. " 

She  replaced  the  book  in  the  bureau  drawer,  and  with  quivering 
nerves  knelt  at  the  foot  of  her  pure  white  bed.  She  tried  to  pray  ;  she 
could  not.  She  buried  her  face  in  her  hands  and  wept  aloud.  "  Oh  ! 
my  mother  !  If  I  but  had  a  mother  this  dismal  night  of  my  soul.  But 
I  have  not.  I  never  knew  her  love ;  yet,  all  my  life  long,  I  have  in 
stinctively  missed  it.  To-night,  in  all  my  lonely  trouble,  I  miss  it 
more  than  ever.  There  is  nothing  that  takes  its  place.  The  aching 
void  cannot  be  filled.  There  is  nothing  that  can  ever  replace  it.  She 
is  with  her  child  in  sorrow  as  well  as  joy.  She  will  follow  him  through 
ruin  and  degradation.  It  is  so  strange  that  this  love  for  my  mother 
should  exist  so  strongly  in  my  heart — I,  who  have  never  known  a 
mother.  Sometimes,  when  I  have  heard  others  call  the  name  of 
'  mother,'  it  has  sent  an  aching,  envious  thrill  to  my  very  soul.  I  never 
knew  her ;  but  I  have  seen  where  they  laid  her  in  the  corner  of  the 
garden,  beneath  the  white  lilies.  I've  seen  these  pale  flowers  from  my 
window  with  the  light  from  the  north  tower  resting  upon  them,  keeping 
watch  like  guardian  angels  over  her  grave.  Oh  J  that  she  were  here  ! 
Oh !  that  I  could  go  to  her  for  comfort !  I  will  go  !  " 

And  in  her  stockingless  feet  and  flowing  robes  she  left  her  chamber, 
rushed  down  the  stairs,  and,  unbolting  a  side-door,  entered  the  gar 
den.  She  went  on,  unheeding  the  sharp  rocks  and  shells  beneath  her 
feet,  nor  stopped  until  the  spot  was  reached.  Kneeling  at  the  head  of 
her  mother's  grave,  midst  the  lilies  and  violets,  herself  the  fairest  of 
them  all,  she  besought  with  tears  and  prayers  her  mother's  blessing, 
her  mother's  love,  and  her  mother's  guidance. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  101 

"  I  know  my  mother  could  not  have  forgotten  her  child,"  she  ex 
claimed,  in  frenzied  accents.  "  I  know  that  Heaven  would  not  place  a 
barrier  between  us.  I  know  that  she  still  watches  over  me.  I  feel  her 
presence.  I  know  that  in  spirit  she  is  with  me ;  and,  oh !  mother — 
angel  mother !  hear  your  child ;  clasp  her  to  your  heart ;  save  her 
from  the  evil  that  threatens  ;  still  her  fluttering  heart ;  cool  her  burn 
ing  brow.  I  have  never  known  a  mother's  care  in  life,  let  me  know 
her  love  in  spirit.  I  crave  it !  I  beg  it !  " 

She  fell  senseless  on  the  grave  from  excitement — mental  excitement, 
fever.  She  rested  on  the  flowery  bed,  as  pure  and  white  as  the  blos 
soms  that  surrounded  her.  The  light  gleamed  brightly,  almost  holily, 
from  the  north  tower,  and  a  deep  and  awful  stillness  reigned  over  and 
about  Col.  Heartland's  home. 


IO2  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


GRUBBS. 

"  The  De'il  gave  him  his  gear  to  keep, 
And  he  held  it  well  together." 

In  order  to  better  understand  the  foregoing  chapter,  we  must  go 
back  to  a  time  previous  to  the  All  Hallow-een  party  at  the  villa,  to 
a  room  over  a  gambling  den  in  San  Francisco.  Its  low,  blackened 
roof  and  dirty,  bare  floor  bespoke  discomfort,  and  cards  and  pieces  of 
cards  scattered  around,  stumps  of  cigars,  quids  of  tobacco,  spots  of 
ambier  and  empty  bottles,  told  the  tale  of  degradation.  Near  a  low  table, 
upon  which  a  nearly  consumed  candle  burned  in  a  brass  candle 
stick,  the  lower  rim  of  which  was  filled  with  burnt  matches,  paper 
cinders  and  the  drippings  from  the  candle,  sat  two  men.  It  would  be 
impossible  to  conceive  an  idea  of  a  more  hideous,  wretched-looking 
creature  than  the  elder  of  these  two.  His  head  rested  upon  his 
shoulders,  and  no  neck  was  visible ;  his  body  was  short,  his  legs  long 
and  inclined  inwardly  at  the  knees.  His  feet  were  long,  shapeless 
and  flat — even  the  coarse  leather  boots  he  wore  could  not  hide 
their  deformity.  But  these  were  minor  points  when  you  came  to  view 
his  face.  His  forehead  was  low,  and  his  matted,  uncombed  hair  hung 
over  a  pair  of  shaggy  brows,  from  beneath  which  gleamed  two  ser- 
pentile  eyes — one  green,  the  other  black ;  one  looked  up,  the  other 
down ;  when  the  drooping,  purplish,  transparent  lid  closed  over  one, 
the  other  remained  open ;  thus  it  was  he  kept  constant  watch  on  all 
around  him.  His  upper  lip  was  blue,  thin,  and  drawn  tightly  across 
his  teeth,  which  protruded  to  a  point,  in  front,  and  were  as  yellow  as 
tobacco  could  make  them.  His  complexion  was  of  that  hue  that  a 
dead  human  body  assumes  when  life  has  been  extinct  long  enough  for 


Talioe:  or  Life  in  California.  103 

decomposition  to  begin  its  work ;  while  his  countenance  wore  that 
direful  expression  that  rests  only  on  the  face  of  those  who  sacrifice 
to  the  "  Indian  god  of  murder."  We  have  seen  him  before,  yet  each 
time  we  view  him,  chameleon-like,  he  assumes  a  different  appearance. 

"  Shut  up  your  up-eye,  and  open  your  down-eye,  you  green-eyed 
monster — or  you  black-eyed  devil,  I  don't  know  which  or  care  which — 
and  move  up  here  and  let  us  take  a  game  of  three-«card  monte,  to 
relieve  the  tedium  of  this  awful  long  night,"  said  his  companion. 
"  Come,  don't  move  your  gangling  legs  all  over  the  house.  I  tell  you, 
I  must  have  money,  Grubbs;  money,  and  that  immediately.  If  you 
have  any,  you  might  as  well  unloose  your  coffers  and  shell  out.  Come 
on ;  don't  sit  there  looking  like  you  could  bite  the  bottom  out  of  a 
frying-pan,  or  a  pumpkin  to  the  hollow,  the  first  bite.  It  is  not  the 
first  time  you  have  been  called  upon  to  share  your  ill-gotten  gains 
with  your  friends,  and  it  will  not  be  the  last,  by  many.  Don't  shake 
your  Caliban  head  at  me,  for  you  know  I  have  evidence  sufficient  to 
support  you  many  years  at  the  State's  expense,  if  I  but  chose  to  use 
it ;  but  I  do  not  intend  to  give  up  so  valuable  a  servant  as  I  have  found 
you,  though  you  did  think  you  had  escaped  me.  That  was  a  mean 
thing,  this  '  tit  for  tat '  business ;  but  I  found  you." 

"Remember,"  replied  Grubbs,  in  a  deep,  guttural  tone,  ;<that  which 
I  know  of  you  might  be  put  to  use,  also." 

"Use  it,  if  you  dare,"  said  the  other  quickly,  eyeing  his  companion 
nervously. 

"  Why  not  I  use  it,  as  well  as  you  ?  Why  am  I  not  to  threaten,  as 
you  do?"  answered  the  same  gruff  voice. 

"Because,  in  all  our  transactions,"  replied  the  other,  "yours  has 
been  the  executive  ability.  You  contributed  to  our  firm  the  will  to  do» 
You  planned,  and  you  have  carried  out  your  plans.  In  other  words' 
I  am  the  party  that  followed,  while  you  led.  Your  will  controlled  the 
whole  concern.  I  am  the  junior  partner,  and  intend  to  maintain  my 
position  as  such,  for  my  protection." 

"  In  other  words, "said  Grubbs,  "you  are  the  master  and  I  the  slave. 
I  would,  in  the  eyes  of  the  law,  be  the  criminal,  and  you  only  the 
accomplice." 

"  Even  so ;  then  look  better  to  your  behavior,  nor  dare  threaten 
your  superior.  Ah,  man,  there  is  a  chance  for  you  yet  '  to  stand  in 
mid  air,  and  kick  at  the  United  States.'  You  are  my  slave,  and  you 
shall  remain  such.  Seek  not  to  break  the  chain  that  binds  you  ;  for 
an  effort  to  escape  will  make  your  bondage  more  galling.  You 
know,  if  exposure  should  come,  I  could  fly  the  country  and  walk 
among  my  fellows  like  an  innocent  man.  I  have  done  it,  and  I  can  do 


IO4  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

it  again.  With  you  it  cannot  be  done.  You  could  not  escape  detec 
tion.  Your  ungainly  form  and  horrible  visage  once  seen  can  never  be 
forgotten.  So  I  advise  you,  my  friend,  to  keep  quiet." 

•'Your  words  are  true,"  said  Grubbs,  humbly,  "and  I  feel  their 
weight  more  on  that  account.  But,"  continued  he,  indignation  firing 
his  green  eye,  "  God  has  put  my  soul  into  this  ugly  carcass,  and  given 
yours  a  comelier  abiding  place." 

"  Come,  sir ;  I  will  not  have  my  handsome,  manly  phiz  compared  in 
the  remotest  manner  to  the  bestial  form  before  me.  Why,  man,  the 
very  sight  of  you  is  enough  to  vomit  me.  I  could  need  no  better 
emetic.  Let  us  change  the  subject,  or  else  I  will  throw  up  the  very 
soles  of  my  feet." 

"  It  is  a  pity  my  services  are  not  as  disgusting  to  your  lordship  as 
my  personal  appearance,"  said  Grubbs. 

"  There  is  dirty  work  in  the  world  to  be  done,  and  it  must  be  done 
by  such  as  you,"  said  his  friend. 

"  Aye  !  and  planned  by  such  as  you.  My  soul  is  as  fair  as  yours, 
and  in  comparison  would  come  off  to  advantage.  I  feel  the  goblin 
shape  I  wear.  As  I  pass  along  the  streets  the  children  run  and  scream. 
The  women,  frightened,  seek  their  homes,  and  secure  their  doors 
after  them.  I  have  nothing  to  be  thankful  to  God  for.  No  human 
ties  bind  me.  Who  would  call  me  husband,  except  the  portress  of 
Hellgate  ?  And  children  ;  what  would  they  have  been  ?  They  scarcely 
would  have  worn  the  human  form — revolting  spectacle  to  human 
sight — they  would  have  made  'night  hideous.'  Egyptian  darkness 
would  not  be  black  enough  to  hide  their  horrible  visages.  I  said  I 
had  nothing  to  thank  God  for ;  but  I  have.  I  am  thankful  that  I  am 
wifeless  and  childless.  There  are  none  to  bear  my  misfortunes  or  my 
name — a  name  I  have  as  little  claim  to  as  you  have  to  the  name  of 
Aldridge." 

Aldridge,  for  it  was  he,  turned  full  upon  him,  and  half-way  drew  a 
glistening  dagger  from  his  bosom,  but  he  thought  of  himself;  he 
could  not  spare  this  man  just  yet,  and  sheathing  his  weapon  again, 
and  looking  him  fiercely  in  the  face,  he  said  :  "  Say  that  again  at  the 
peril  of  your  life." 

"  I  have  no  occasion  to  repeat  it,"  was  the  reply.  "  But  let  us  have 
something  more  cheerful,"  he  continued ;  and  going  to  the  squalid  bed, 
he  raised  the  dingy  coverlid  and  drew  forth  a  bottle.  He  took  a  seared 
glass  from  the  shelf  and  placed  it  on  the  table  by  Aldridge;  then 
seated  himself  on  the  opposite  side.  Aldridge  took  the  bottle,  poured 
out  a  portion  of  its  contents  and  offered  it  to  his  companion. 

"  Drink  first,"  said  Grubbs, 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  105 

"  No,"  replied  he,  "  I'll  have  you  test  the  wine  you  offer  me,  before 
one  drop  of  it  goes  down  my  throat." 

"You  do  not  think,"  said  Grubbs,  "that  I  would  deal  so  unfairly 
with  you  ?" 

"Ask  yourself  that  question,"  replied  he.  "Is  my  knowledge  of 
your  character  such  as  to  make  me  trust  you  ?  Have  you  never  dealt 
unfairly  with  me  ?" 

"Perhaps,"  said  he,  "but  I  will  prove  it  to  you.  Hand  me  the 
glass,"  and  he  emptied  its  sparkling  contents  into  his  horrible  mouth. 
"  Now  you  see,  there  is  no  foul  play." 

Aldridge  refilled  the  glass  and  swallowed  the  glistening  beverage- 
Then  passing  it  to  his  friend,  he  said,  with  mock  respect : 

kk  Friend  of  my  soul ;  this  goblet  sip  ; 

It  will  chase  the  pensive  tear — 
It  is  not  so  sweet  as  woman's  lip, 

But,  ah  !  'tis  more  sincere." 

lk  Like  her  delusive  beam, 

'Twill  steal  away  your  mind  ; 
Like  affection's  dream, 

'Twill  leave  no  sting  behind." 

"  Some  sap-headed  poet  wrote  that  about  women  and  wine,  but  it 
is  true.  This  draught,"  he  continued,  filling  another  bumper,  "is 
worth  all  the  women  in  the  world ;  for  they  will  play  you  false  in  half 
a  chance.  You  do  well  to  thank  God  for  not  being  connected  to  one 
as  your  wife.  That  is,  if  there  is  any  God  to  be  thanked.  It  amuses 
me  to  hear,  sensible,  rational  men,  talking  about  a  God,  as  tho'  there 
really  existed  such  a  being,  or  rather,  such  a  spirit.  It  is  strange  how 
the  world  is  duped.  I  think  the  Bible  a  good  code  of  morals  when 
followed,  but  its  divine  origin  is  all  stuff.  It  is  simply  ridiculous  in 
you,  Grubbs,  to  be  talking  about  a  God." 

"  I  do  believe  in  him,"  replied  the  other.  "I  know  he  exists,  but  he 
put  me  here,  in  this  uncomely  shape,  and  I  am  his  enemy.  He  cannot 
hurt  me,  either  here  or  hereafter.  I  am  a  servant  of  the  Devil,  and  in 
tend  to  be  about  my  master's  business.  I  am  now  acting  under  his 
agent,"  he  said,  bowing  to  Aldridge,  and  looking  quite  mild  out  of 
his  black  eye. 

"  If  I  believed  in  a  God,"  replied  Aldridge,  "  I  would  give  up  this 
agency,  you  allude  to.  But  it  will  be  more  profitable  to  me  to  serve 
this  imaginary  devil,  of  which  you  speak.  I  have  made  up  my  mind 
to  serve  the  best  paymaster,  and  my  commission,  as  this  so  called  dev 
il's  agent,  is  much  greater  than  I  can  get  by  trying  to  be  a  saint  and 
not  succeeding.  I  do  not  mean  to  let  the  mythical  curse  of  Adam  rest 
upon  me.  I  am  going  to  have  my  living  from  the  sweat  of  the  brows 
of  other  men,  as  far  as  possible.  I  am  going  around  as  many  of  the 


io6  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

rough  corners  of  life  as  I  can,  at  all  risks.  That  man  was  in  a  good 
situation,  who  had  inscribed  upon  his  tombstone  this  couplet :  '  If 
there  is  another  world,  he  has  gone  to  bliss.  If  not,  he  made  the  most 
of  this.'  These  ministers  of  the  gospel,  as  they  are  called,  I  have  no 
patience  with,  and  still  less  with  people  who  are  gulled  by  them." 

"I  don't  see  why,"  said  Grubbs.  "They  are,  according  to  your 
opinion,  avoiding  the  '  rough  corners ' — making  their  living  out  of 
priest-ridden  communities.  I  don't  blame  them ;  if  I  had  the  tact 
and  education,  I  would  go  to  preaching  myself. 

"  Ha,  ha,  ha  !"  laughed  his  friend.  "  Preacher,  indeed  ;  the  people 
would  fly  affrighted  from  the  church.  They  would  think  that  Hell 
was  deserted,  and  all  the  fiends  were  combined  in  one,  and  that  one 
had  come  among  them  masked,  as  an  enemy  of  God." 

"  It  is  a  wonder  you  have  not  thought  of  it  in  all  your  schemes  for 
money.  Your  chicanery,  impudence,  handsome  person  and  mental 
culture  fit  you  to  'show  others  the  steep  and  thorny  way  to  heaven,' 
while  you  yourself  'the  primrose  path  of  dalliance  tread.'  " 

"  I  thank  you  for  the  compliment,"  said  Aldridge.  "But,  Grubbs, 
tell  me  who  you  really  are,  whence  you  came ;  you  know  now  much 
more  of  me  than  I  do  of  you,  and  it  is  but  just  that  you  should  repose 
this  much  confidence  in  me." 

"  You  have  never  invited  my  confidence,  or  else  I  should  have  told 
you  all  I  know  of  myself.  Had  I  been  born  a  gentleman,  as  you  were, 
I  should  have  been  one  still.  If  I  had  a  legal  right  to  bear  my  fath 
er's  name,  I  should  never  have  disgraced  and  abandoned  it,  as  you 
have  done." 

"  Stop,  sir,"  cried  Aldridge,  wildly  ;  "  confine  yourself  to  your  sub 
ject." 

"  Well,"  continued  Grubbs  ;  "  I  was  born  somewhere  in  New  York, 
I  suppose,  as  the  first  information  I  have  of  myself  is,  that  I  was 
found  by  a  wealthy  bachelor  of  New  York  in  a  basket  hanging  upon 
his  door-knob.  The  aforesaid  gentleman,  not  wishing  to  attribute  my 
parentage  to  himself,  called  a  policeman  and  handed  basket  and  all  to 
him.  He  took  the  ugly  waif  to  a  foundling  hospital.  I  remained  there 
until  I  was  old  enough  to  be  of  some  use.  I  was  then  bound  out  to  a 
man  and  his  wife,  ostensibly  to  make  my  living  honestly,  but  in  reality 
to  support  my  new  master  and  mistress.  This  I  did  faithfully  for 
some  time,  by  begging  and  stealing.  I  finally  became  tired  of  bond 
age,  and  resolved  to  set  up  for  myself.  My  partnership  was  too  oner 
ous.  The  division  of  spoils  was  too  great,  and  my  share  often  resulted 
in  not  only  no  share  at  all,  but  a  sound  drubbing  on  my  desolate  head, 
because  I  did  not  provide  more  liberally.  One  morning  I  started  out 
as  usual,  but  when  night  came  I  was  far  out  at  sea,  on  my  way  to 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  107 

Baltimore.  I  had  taken  sufficient  of  my  stolen  gains  from  my  lessees 
to  pay  steerage  passage  to  that  place.  I  have  not  heard  of  my  foster 
mother  and  father  since.  In  Baltimore  I  followed  my  profession.  I 
was  quite  expert,  and  was  caught  twice  only.  I  got  off  very  well,  with 
short  imprisonments  and  small  fines,  and  continued  my  old  way  of  liv 
ing.  A  gentleman  from  Virginia  took  me  home  with  him  and  sent 
me  to  school.  I  grew  to  manhood  there — I've  told  you  the  rest.  That 
last  forgery  and  robbery  that  brought  us  here  to  'Frisco  out  of  harm's 
way — you  first,  me  latterly — 

"  Hush,"  said  Aldridge,  sternly,  glancing  uneasily  around  the  room 
towards  the  door. 

"  You  said  you  wanted  money  ;  now  will  you  tell  me  what  it  is  for  ?" 
said  Grubbs 

"  Yes  ;  I  have  this  marriage  speculation  on  hand,  my  friend,"  said 
Aldridge.  "  The  one  you  advised,  you  know," 

"  Any  chance,"  said  Grubbs,  looking  out  of  his  venomous,  green  eye. 
"  Name  it,  and  I'll  get  you  money  for  its  accomplishment." 

"  I've  been  there — 

"  Have  you  ?"  asked  Grubbs,  astonished. 

"  I  have,  and  I  intend  to  marry  her." 

"  Impossible  !" 

"  No,  Grubbs,  I  tell  you  nothing  is  impossible  with  a  woman.  You 
know  I  will  have  to  have  some  fine  clothing ;  new  hat,  new  boots, 
etc." 

"  Of  course ,  what  then  ?" 

•'  You  saw  me  with  young  Woodford,  yesterday  ?" 

"  The  tall  young  gentleman  who  was  with  you  when  I  spoke  to  you 
a  few  days  since  ?" 

"  The  same.  And,  bye  the  bye,  you  came  near  betraying  me,  speak 
ing  to  me  so  familiarly  on  the  street.  I  did  not  wish  that  young  man 
to  suspect  that  I  knew  you  at  all,  for  it  would  ruin  me  in  his  estima 
tion,  and  thus  frustrate  all  my  well  matured  plans." 

"So,"  said  Grubbs,  "the  man  of  whom  you  will  beg  money,  and 
call  your  friend  here  at  night  in  this  dingy  place,  you  are  not  even 
willing  to  recognize  in  daylight  on  the  streets." 

"  Even  so,"  said  Aldridge ;  "  for  policy's  sake  I  am  compelled  to 
pursue  that  course.  In  this  case,  however,  it  did  me  no  harm ;  on 
the  contrary,  your  asking  me  to  play  cards  and  drink  enabled  me  to 
express  my  opinion  of  gambling  and  drinking  as  would  meet  the  ap 
proval  of  young  Woodford,  and  gain  upon  his  confidence.  He  seemed 
surprised  that  I  should  know  you,  as  he  said  you  were  a  known  black 
leg  of  San  Francisco,  and  that  the  police  had  an  eye  on  you.  This  I 
soon  explained  away  by  saying  I  knew  nothing  of  you,  except  such 


io8  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

acquaintance  as  you  forced  upon  me — a  specimen  of  which  he  had 
witnessed.  I  had  met  your  former  attempts  towards  an  intimacy  in 
like  manner.  He  seemed  pleased,  and  gave  me  some  words  of  warn 
ing  against  yourself  and  other  ropers,  for  gambling  hells  in  San 
Francisco.  I  thanked  him  kindly,  and  he  ended  by  inviting  me  to 
spend  a  month  with  him  at  his  father's  home  in  the  mountains.  I 
accepted  this,  invitation ;  went  for  a  few  days  ;  met  Miss  Heartland, 
and  it  is  an  outfit  for  this  trip  that  I  wish,  as  I  am  going  back  soon." 

"  Glorious  !  "  exclaimed  Grubbs,  both  eyes  glistening.  "  Glorious  ! 
Glorious  !  Glorious  !  I'll  trust  you  to  do  the  rest." 

"Yes,"  continued  Aldridge,  "Miss  Heartland  had  a  Hallow-een 
party,  and  my  new  friend  obtained  an  invitation  for  me.  So,  you  see, 
I  went.  I  understand  from  Woodford  that  Col.  Heartland  is  very 
particular  as  to  the  association  of  his  daughter,  and  that  he  keeps  her 
in  this  out-of-the-way  place,  Sierran  Villa,  I  believe  they  call  it,  on  pur 
pose  to  shield  her  from  the  baneful  influences  of  society  and  the  for 
tune-hunters  who  throng  the  cities." 

"  That,"  said  Grubbs,  hopefully,  "  will  render  your  task  less  diffi 
cult  ;  she  is  the  more  unsuspecting,  and,  consequently,  more  impres 
sible.  I  wish,  heartily  wish,  you  success." 

"  Thank  you,"  replied  Aldridge ;  "  I  will  leave  nothing  undone  to 
accomplish  my  purpose." 

"  When  do  you  go  ?" 

"Just  so  soon  as  I  can  prepare  myself.  I've  told  Woodford  I 
would  rather  not  visit  ladies,  and  appeared  as  indifferent  in  the  matter 
as  possible.  This  has  had  its  effect,  and  he  is  doubly  anxious  I  should 
visit  this  woodland  beauty.  He  has  gone  home,  but  will  be  in  the 
city  in  a  few  days,  when  he  wishes  me  to  be  ready.  He  represents 
the  fishing  and  hunting  as  very  fine,  but  I  am  after  better  game." 

"  In  what,"  asked  Grubbs,  "  does  this  man  Heartland's  wealth  con 
sist?" 

"  In  everything,"  said  Aldridge.  "  In  trading  vessels,  in  East  Indian 
trade,  in  ranches,  town  property,  mining  interests,  bank  stocks,  herds 
of  cattle,  horses  and  sheep,  and  last,  but  not  least,  in  the  loveliest 
daughter  on  the  Pacific  slope." 

"Do  you  know  it  is  daybreak?"  asked  Grubbs,  "and  neither  of 
us  have  slept.  Share  my  accommodations  for  a  morning's  nap." 

"No,  thank  you,"  came  slowly  from  Aldridge,  as  he  glanced  at  the 
narrow,  squalid  bed.  "  But  give  me  the  money  and  let  me  go.  I  will 
not  see  you  again  before  I  leave  the  city.  You  must  not  come  near 
or  speak  to  me." 

He  took  the  handful  of  gold  from  Grubbs  and  left  the  room. 


Takoe:  or  Life  in  California.  109 


CHAPTER  XX. 


ALICE    HEARTLAND. 

"  Thus  it  is  our  daughters  leave  us — 
Those  we  love  and  those  that  love  us." 

The  sun  was  high  in  the  heavens  ere  the  family  at  the  villa  were 
awakened  from  their  slumbers  on  the  morning  succeeding  All  Hal- 
low-een.  Griffin  had  heard  a  knocking  upon  the  outside  door  of  the 
servants'  hall  and  hurried  thither,  after  calling  his  wife,  to  see  what 
it  was.  The  door  was  unbolted,  and  Burleigh,  chief  valet  of  Petty- 
bone  Hall,  entered,  bringing  a  basket  of  luscious  fruits,  covered  with 
rare  flowers,  upon  which  lay  a  delicate  note.  By  this  time  Bertina 
was  upon  the  scene  of  action,  and,  rubbing  her  swollen  eyes,  asked 
who  it  was  for. 

"Major  Pettybone,"  replied  Burleigh,  "told  me  to  bring  it  here, 
with  his  compliments,  and  ask  after  the  health  of  the  family ;  also,  to 
say  to  Col.  Heartland  he  would  take  All-Saint's  dinner  with  him  to-day.'' 

"  I'll  tell  him,"  said  Griffin,  "  soon  as  he  wakes  up.  But,  ole  'oman, 
had  you  not  better  take  the  note  and  basket  up  to  Miss  Alice's  room  ?  " 

"  No,"  said  Bertina,  "  the  child  has  been  up  the  blessed  night,  and  I 
don't  want  to  wake  her,  yet  awhile." 

"  Chambermaid  !  chambermaid  !  "  called  Miss  Hubblestubble  from 
up-stairs. 

"  I  hear,"  screamed  Bertina.  "  I  would  not  have  answered  her  at 
all,  but  I  was  'feared  she  would  keep  up  such  a  hollering  as  to  wake 
up  Miss  Alice.  Take  care  dat  basket  till  I  see  what  she  wants,  so 
early  in  the  mornin'." 

Bertina  disappeared,  and  soon  returned  giggling. 

"  She  seed  Mr.  Burleigh  bring  dat  basket,"  she  said,  with  a  snicker, 
"and  she  tinks  it's  for  her.  I  bet  it's  for  Miss  Alice;  but  I'll  take  it 
to  her,  and  see  her  disappointment  when  she  reads  de  note." 


i  io  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

She  took  the  basket  and  went  up  stairs. 

"This  Miss  Hubble,"  commenced  Griffin,  despite  Bertina's  lecture 
about  telling  strange  servants  family  affairs,  "  is  a  strange  pussin.  She 
is  old,  and  she  hab  nebber  married.  When  she  fust  come  she  made 
a  dead  set  at  Massa  Heartland.  He  got  as  mad  as  his  health  would 
permit  I  would  not  be  surprised  if  Major  Pettybone  was  not  gwine 
to  hab  troble,  for  I  seed  her  looking  at  him  sweet  enough  to  put  into 
candy  kisses  last  night.  She  tinks  dat  basket  am  for  her.  Dat  make 
her  concern  herself  so  much  'bout  it.  But  dere  comes  de  ole  'oman  ; 
don't  tell  her  I  tole  you  nuffin." 

Burleigh  grinned  as  Bertina  came  in. 

"  De  ole  lady,"  said  she  much  amused,  "  took  de  note,  saw  it  was 
for  Miss  Alice,  trowed  it  down  on  de  floor ;  'tired  to  her  room,  piping 
mad,  and  slammed  the  door." 

"  Mr.  Burleigh,"  she  said,  looking  at  that  worthy,  "  tell  de  Major 
Miss  Alice  am  sleep,  but  as  soon  as  she  am  'wake,  I  will  'liver  de  mes 
sage,  de  basket  and  de  note.  You  need'nt  tell  him  'bout  Miss  Stub 
ble  thinking  it  was  hern.  I  does'nt  blieve  in  spreading  family  'fairs 
round." 

Burleigh  grinned  and  took  his  departure,  saying  to  himself:  "I'll 
tell  it,  or  burst  wide  open,  like  a  locust." 

Bertina  looked  after  him  in  a  scornful  manner.  "  Dare  is  two 
kinds  of  folks,  I  hate,"  said  she — "  One  is  poor  white  folks,  like 
her  up-stairs,  dat  aint  got  but  one  ole  black  silk  dress  to  der  name, 
and  an  ole  green  shawl.  De  oder  is  a  white  nigger  like  him, 
dats  jist  going  out  ob  de  gate.  Griffin,  if  you  did  not  make  better 
'pearance  dan  dat  fellow,  I'd  'vorce  you,  and  go  back  to  ole  Virginny. 
Got  good  notion  to  doit  anyhow." 

"  How  comes  dat  ole  'oman  ?'' 

"Cause  you  settin'  dere  with  your  knees  pintingat  each  oder,  insted 
of  turned  out  like  'ristocratic  Virginny  folks.  You  don't  cross  your 
leg  needer,  like  a  gintleman.  You  don't  say  barsket,  promanarde  and 
darnce.  You  don't  do  nothin'." 

"  Ole  'oman,  you  too  'ticular." 

"  No  I  aint  nuder — I  can  tell  quality  folks,  soon  as  I  lay  my  blessed 
eyes  on  em." 

"  Dat  'oman,  Miss  Stubble,  I  mean,  aint  no  more  quality  dan  de  sar- 
ventdat  just  left ;  only  difference  am,  she  'tends  to  be  and  he  does'nt. 
She  puts  herself  on  'quality  with  best  ob  dem,  and  he  blacks  boots, 
takes  notes  roun'  fur  gentlemen  to  folks  houses  "fore  folk's  up,  and 
such  ongenteel  sarvices." 

"  I  s'pose,"  retorted  Griffin,  "you  tinks  one's  no  better  dan  tother." 

"  No,  and  not  half  as  good." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  \  \  \ 

"  Well,  I  believe  one  is  as  good  as  tother,  and  a  great  deal  better, 
too." 

"  Griffin,  you  better  not  agivate  me." 

"  Not  for  the  whole  world,  my  lub.  I  was  tinking  how  hansome 
you  looked  las«-  night  wid  your  blue  caliker,  and  sparrow-grass  berries 
in  your  har." 

"  Did  you  notis  dat  ?  Dey  say  red  berries  looks  purty  in  black  har. 
Dat's  why  I  trimmed  mine  wid  'em.  I  heard  somebody  say  I  looked 
just  like  I'd  been  to  Urip." 

"  Dey's  trine  to  fool  you,  my  Jub.  Taint  ebery  person  what  can 
look  like  dey's  been  to  Urip." 

"  I  know  dat;  but  I'm  one  ob  de  few  dat  can.  Dey  say  dat  man 
Burleigh  come  from  Urip.  Do  you  believe  dat,  Griffin  ?" 

"  I  don't  believe  no  such  a  yarn,"  said  Griffin.  "  When  we  libed  in 
Virginny,  I  used  to  see  folks  dat  had  been  dare.  Mine  what  I  tell 
you,  dat  common  fellar  neber  saw  Urip  in  all  his  born  days.  If  he 
had  eber  been  dare,  he  would  be  at  some  better  biziness.  He  wouldn't 
wait  on  folks.  People  would  look  up  to  him.  Take  my  word  for  it, 
he  neber  seed  Urip.  Why,  old  'oman,  when  folks  is  been  over  dare, 
dey  gits  pompous  like.  Dey  walks  grander,  and  dey  looks  on  dem- 
selves  as  better  an  common — and  is  better,  for  dey  can  do  many  things 
what  folks  as  had't  been  can't  do.  Dey  can  speak  in  French,  or  some 
thing  dey  can't  unnerstand  deyselves,  and  dey  know  you  can't  unner- 
stand  it ;  so  der  just  call  it  French,  to  'pear  grand  like.  I  tell  you, 
gwine  to  Urip  makes  somethin'  out  of  nothin'  quicker  dan  any  oder 
process  I  knows  of." 

•"  You  foolin1  way  time,  Griffin  ;  you  had  better  go  to  Col.  Heart 
land's  room.  "  I'se  gwine  up  to  carry  dat  note  to  Miss  Alice.  Time 
she's  gettin'  up  anyhow." 

"  I'll  tease  her  good  'bout  dis  Major  Pettybone,  and  I'll  tell  her  how 
Miss  Stubble  flung  down  de  note  when  she  found  out  who  it  was  for," 
thought  Bertina,  as,  with  the  basket  in  one  band  and  the  note  in  the 
other,  she  approached  Alice's  door.  She  found  it  ajar,  and  entering 
softly,  was  surprised  to  find  the  lamp  in  the  chandelier  still  burning. 
She  glanced  at  the  bed,  and  saw  that  it  had  not  been  occupied. 

"  De  blessed  chile  done  gone  and  made  up  her  own  bed  and  hid 
away,  to  fool  her  ole  nurse,"  said  Bertina,  as  she  saw  Alice's  clothing 
upon  a  chair,  and  her  shoes  and  stockings  beside  it.  She  set  the  bas 
ket  of  flowers  upon  the  table,  laid  the  note  on  the  bureau,  and  play 
fully  began  a  search.  She  looked  in  the  dressing-room,  in  the  ward 
robe,  and  under  the  bed.  "What's  dese  lights  doin'  not  blowed 
out  ?  "  she  said,  as  her  search  proved  fruitless,  and  she  stood  alarmed 
in  the  centre  of  the  room. 


112  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Miss  Alice  is  gone  !  "  She  rushed  out  of  the  room,  knocked  vio 
lently  at  Miss  Hubblestubble's  door  as  she  passed,  and  burst  into  Col. 
Heartland's  chamber. 

"Oh!  Miss  Alice!  Oh!  my  baby's  gonel"  she  exclaimed  falling 
at  his  feet,  sobbing  hysterically. 

Col.  Heartland  stopped  not  to  ask  the  cause  of  her  excitement.  He 
knew,  whatever  it  was,  it  concerned  his  daughter.  A  single  bound, 
and  he  was  in  the  hall.  Up  the  stairs  he  went,  three  or  four  steps  at 
a  time — roughly  setting  Miss  Hubblestubble  aside  as,  with  uplifted 
hands,  she  met  him  and  inquired  what  was  the  matter.  He  threw  the 
door  wide  open  and  entered  his  daughter's  chamber.  Like  Bertina,  he 
found  no  one  there.  Aldridge's  face  rose  before  him,  as  he  thought, 
perhaps,  some  lover  had  persuaded  his  child  into  an  elopement.  But 
this  idea  was  too  absurd  to  be  entertained,  even  for  a  moment.  Then 
the  horrible  thought  came,  perhaps  the  Indians  in  the  mountains  had 
stolen  her.  Perhaps,  as  he  stood,  they  were  getting  further  and  further 
away  with  his  child,  and  ere  he  could  effect  her  rescue,  she  would  be 
the  victim  of  the  scalping-knife  or  tomahawk.  The  thought  mad 
dened  him,  and  calling  to  Griffin  to  get  a  horse  for  himself  and  follow, 
he  rushed  wildly  down  the  stairs  and,  seizing  a  bridle,  started  for  the 
stable.  Passing  around  the  corner  of  the  house,  he  involuntarily  cast 
his  eyes  towards  his  wife's  grave.  Something  white  lay  upon  it, 
almost  hidden  by  the  green  shrubs  and  white  flowers.  He  turned  his 
course  and  walked,  ran,  rapidly  in  that  direction.  There  was  his  child, 
on  her  mother's  grave.  He  stooped,  placed  his  arms  around  her. 
She  was  cold,  senseless,  but  still  alive.  He  called  for  Griffin,  Bertina, 
Miss  Hubblestubble,  the  Chinese  cook ;  all  came,  but  he  bore  his  pre 
cious  burden  in  his  own  arms  to  the  house.  He  carried  her  to  his 
own  room  and  placed  her  upon  his  bed.  "  Alice !  daughter  !  dar 
ling  !"  he  cried  in  agony.  "  Speak  to  your  father  once.  Mustard  ! 
Brandy  !"  he  exclaimed,  not  turning  to  those  about  him,  as  he  leaned 
over  his  delirious  child.  A  moment  more,  and  she  spoke  some  inco 
herent  words.  "  Griffin,"  said  he,  "  go  for  Dr.  Brocker  ;  spare  not  the 
horse ;  bring  him  as  quickly  as  possible  ;  Miss — or  whatever  your 
name  may  be,  hand  me  the  brandy.  In  God's  name,  be  quick  !"  and 
he  took  the  glass  from  Miss  Hubblestubble's  hand. 

"  He  need  not  be  taking  on  in  this  style,"  she  said  to  herself,  "  as  if 
everything  here  and  hereafter  rested  on  the  fate  of  this  silly  girl,  who 
has  gone  out  and  lain  down  on  the  cold  ground  and  got  chilled.  I 
think  it  makes  but  little  difference  if  she  does  die.  The  world  is  none 
the  better  off  for  having  such  a  ninny  in  it.  But  this  Dr.  Brocker  5 
who  is  he  ?  I  wonder  if  he  is  married  ?  In  case  I  should  fail  in  my 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  \  \  3 

matrimonial  scheme  for  Major  Pettybone,  I  wonder  how  Dr.  Brocker 
would  do.  I'll  see  about  that.  But  I  suppose,  now,  I  will  be  shut  off 
from  company  for  several  weeks,  on  account  of  this  caper,"  she 
thought,  looking  towards  Alice,  who  was  reviving  under  Bertina's 
rubbing,  and  the  quantity  of  brandy  her  father  had  given  her. 

"  My  daughter,"  said  he,  looking  into  her  face,  and  tenderly  stroking 
her  hair  with  his  hand,  "  tell  me  what  is  the  matter.  Speak  to  your 
father  !  " 

She  looked  at  him  in  a  dreamy  manner,  and  replied  :  "  Go  away,  I 
don't  wan't  you  ;  I  want  my  father  ;  send  my  father  to  me." 

"  She  does  not  even  know  me,"  he  said  bitterly,  sinking  on  his  knees 
beside  the  bed. 

Alice's  large  eyes  wandered  around  the  room  and  rested  upon  Miss 
Hubblestubble. 

"  There's  a  tarantula  in  here  ;  take  it  out." 

"  She  does  not  mean  me,"  said  Miss  Hubblestubble,  changing  her 
position. 

"  Yes,  I  do,"  said  Alice.  "  You  are  the  very  tarantula  I  mean.  Don't 
come  this  way,  please — oh,  don't,  don't !"  she  said,  as  Miss  Hubble 
stubble  advanced  to  the  bed. 

"  I  must  ask  you  not  to  agitate  her,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "  Deli 
rium  frequently  causes  such  vagaries,  and  they  must  be  humored.  It 
would  be  better  for  you  to  leave  the  room  for  a  while,  at  least,  Miss 
Hubblestubble." 

"It's  going,  father;  it's  going  through  the  door;  it's  gone — that 
horrible  tarantula.  Do  not  let  it  come  near  me  again,"  said  Alice,  as 
Miss  Hubblestubble  stalked  indignantly  out,  and  found  her  way  to  her 
own  chamber. 


114  TaJwe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


ALICE  HEARTLAND,  CONTINUED. 

u  To  each  his  sufferings  :  all  men, 

Condemned  alike  to  groan, 
The  tender  for  another's  pain, 

The  unfeeling  for  his  own." 

Miss  Hubblestubble  was  shocked  beyond  degree  by  the  comparison 
Alice  made,  and  vented  her  feeling  freely,  in  this  wise : 

"  I  wish  she  was  dead,  the  minx.  The  idea  of  her  calling  me  such 
a  horrible  thing,  even  if  she  is  delirious  !  And  that  fool  father  of  hers 
crying  like  a  baby,  the  great  tears  running  down  his  cheeks  !  I  would 
not  marry  such  a  womanish  man,  if  he  was  the  last  of  Adam's  race 
left.  Altogether,  this  household  don't  suit  me  at  all.  These  two  ne 
groes, — just  as  impudent  as  they  can  be,  and  no  respect  in  the  world 
for  their  betters.  That  Bertina  shall  never  come  into  my  room  again. 
She  has  ransacked  everything  I  have,  except  my  little  blue  bag,  and  it 
has  been  by  the  closest  watching  I  have  kept  it  from  her.  The  other 
day  I  waked  up  and  found  her  peeping  into  my  trunks.  I  pretended 
to  be  asleep,  and  she  looked  the  room  over  for  my  reticule,  but  could 
not  find  it,  for  it  was  under  my  head.  She  went  to  the  bureau  and 
found  my  cheek  plumpers  there;  she  evidently  thought  they  were 
spiders,  for  she  pitched  them  out  of  the*  window  with  the  tongs,  and  I 
should  have  been  a  pretty  sight  with  my  cheeks  hollowed  in  like  a 
Shaker  scoop  if  I  had  not  been  prudent  enough  to  have  another  pair 
in  my  blue  reticule.  This  family  seem  to  have  a  mania  for  spiders.  I 
went  down  under  the  window  afterwards  and  looked  for  my  plumpers, 
but  I  could  not  find  them.  I  suppose  the  negro  had  been  there  before 
me.  I  would  not  say  anything  about  it  for  worlds,  for  they  would 
suspect  something.  As  it  is,  no  one  will  be  any  the  wiser.  '  All's 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  115 

well  that  ends  well;  least  said,  soonest  mended.'  I  have  been 
thinking  much  on  this  negro  question  since  I  have  been  here,  and  I  am 
of  the  opinion  that  negroes  are  the  meanest,  lowest,  most  unfeeling 
race  in  the  world.  I  wish  all  Northern  people  knew  them  as  I  do  ; 
they  would  be  perfectly  satisfied.  I  suppose  that  is  Dr.  Brocker  com 
ing  up  the  avenue.  I  will  go  down,  meet,  and  chat  him  until  he  is 
wanted  in  the  room."  She  reached  the  front  door  just  as  the  Doctor 
came  up  the  steps ;  she  extended  her  hand  and  said  :  "  Dr.  Brocker, 
I  presume.  Miss  Augusta  Hubblestubble,  Dr.  Brocker."  The  Doc 
tor  bowed. 

"  Glad  to  see  you,  ma'm." 

"Yes,  Doctor,"  she  continued,  "we  have  had  a  trying  time  this 
morning.  Our  darling  Alice  has  been  very  ill,  and  Col.  Heartland  is 
almost  crazy ;  such  a  fond  father ;  such  a  fond  father  !  Just  a  little 
better  now,  owing  to  our  great  care  ;  pulse  low ;  skin  clammy  ;  slight 
delirium  ;  talks  a  great  deal  about  tarantulas  ;  dont  know  her  father, 
and  looks — "  It  is  impossible  to  tell  how  long  her  volubility  would 
have  lasted  had  not  Bertina  come  out  and  said : 

"  Doctor,  Col.  Heartland  says  come  in  as  quickly  as  you  can."  The 
Doctor  left  Miss  Hubblestubble  and  followed  the  servant. 

"  Shut  the  door,"  said  Alice,  "  and  don't  let  the  tarantula  in,"  as  the 
Doctor  and  Bertina  entered.  She  grew  quiet  as  she  looked  at  them. 
The  doctor  shook  hands  silently  with  Col.  Heartland,  on  whose 
cheeks  the  tears  still  stood.  He  then  went  to  the  other  side  of  the 
bed  and  began  to  examine  his  patient.  He  looked  at  the  tongue,  felt 
the  pulse  ;  then  walked  to  the  table  and  asked  for  a  glass  and  a  spoon. 

"Tarantula  !  tarantula  !"  screamed  the  delirious  girl  as  Bertina  went 
to  the  door. 

"  Go  out  at  the  other  door,"  said  Col.  Heartland. 

Bertina  soon  returned  with  the  desired  articles,  an  d  the  doctor  mixed 
a  small  white  powder  in  some  water,  and  handing  it  to  Col.  Heartland, 
asked  him  to  get  her  to  take  it.  He  raised  her  head  and  she  swallowed 
it  without  opposition.  He  laid  the  head  gently  back  upon  the  pillow,  as 
the  doctor  asked  : 

"  Has  she  been  frightened  or  distressed  in  any  way  ?" 

"  Not  that  I  am  aware  of,"  replied  Col.  Heartland,  and  he  related  to 
the  doctor  all  he  knew  of  the  affair. 

Doctor  Brocker  listened  attentively,  and  when  the  Colonel  was 
through  speaking,  said : 

"  Your  daughter's  condition  is  critical ;  there  is  some  great  mental 
emotion  causing  this  ;  she  must  be  kept  perfectly  quiet,  and  give  her 
one  of  these  powders  every  two  hours,  until  the  delirium  ceases ; 


Ii6  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

will  probably  disappear  in  the  first  sleep  she  gets.  After  that,  I  must 
insist  on  complete  quiet.  I  will  call  again  to-morrow.  1  have  another 
patient /'  and  as  the  doctor  was  about  leaving,  Alice  tossed  unea 
sily,  and  said,  "  Father  !  dear  father  !  I  will  marry  to  please  you.  Oh,  I 
can't!  I  cant !"  she  added,  wildly,  "tarantula;  tarantula,"  she  said, 
looking  toward  the  door.  Docter  Brocker  looked,  just  in  time  to  see 
Miss  Hubblestubble  quickly,  silently  close  the  door. 

"  Lock  that  door,"  said  Col.  Heartland  to  Bertina,  "  Dr.  Brocker  can 
go  out  at  the  other  one." 

"Yes,  lock  it,  lock  it,"  answered  Alice,  "and  keep  out  the  tarantula." 

"  It  would  be  better,"  said  Dr.  Brocker,  comprehending  the  state  of 
affairs,  "  for  that  lady  not  to  come  about  her,  just  at  present." 

Col.  Heartland  bowed. 

"Mother!  Oh,  angel  mother!"  said  Alice,  "you  will  love  me,  if  all 
else  fail.  Sympathize  with  your  child— take  her  with  you.  I  can't,  I 
can't  stay  here !" 

Col.  Heartland,  bending  over  her,  whispered,  "  I  am  here,  darling," 
and  placing  the  fevered  cheek  against  his  own,  he  added,  "  I  am  with 
you  always." 

The  effect  was  soothing,  and  in  a  moment  she  was  asleep.  The 
doctor  took  his  leave  and  had  been  gone  an  hour  before  Miss  Hubble 
stubble  was  aware  of  it,  for  he  went  out  at  the  other  door,  and  she 
watched  for  him  by  the  one  at  which  he  went  in.  She  tried  the  door 
but  found  it  locked  ;  she  went  around  and  started  in  at  the  other,  but 
Col.  Heartland  motioned  to  her  to  go  back,  and  the  stricken  father  was 
left  alone  at  the  bedside  of  his  sleeping  child. 

Dr.  Brocker  met  Major  Pettybone  coming  to  the  villa,  and  told  him 
all  that  had  occurred.  Instead  of  turning  back,  as  he  supposed  the 
Major  would,  he  put  spurs  to  his  horse  and  hastened  forward  ;  on  his 
arrival  he  was  met,  of  course,  by  Miss  Hubblestubble.  That  lady  tried 
to  entertain  him,  but  for  once  he  would  not  be  entertained.  Col. 
Heartland  sent  Griffin  to  tell  him  to  remain  in  the  library  until  Alice 
awakened.  Sometime  after  he  heard  Miss  Hubblestubble's  shrill  me 
tallic  voice  still  ringing,  and  he  knew  his  friend  must  be  bored,  so  he  sent 
Griffin  to  ask  him  to  a  room  to  take  a  nap.  This  he  gladly  accepted 
for  he  knew  his  garrulous  companion  would  not  follow  him  there. 

However  much  he  might  have  engaged  in  an  amusing  conversa 
tion  at  any  other  time,  or  however  much  he  might  have  enjoyed  his 
peculiar  status,  in  her  estimation,  on  any  other  occasion,  he  was  in  no 
humor  for  company  just  at  this  time,  and  gladly  would  have  acceded 
to  any  proposition  that  would  relieve  him  of  her  society, 

He  went  to  his  room,  but  not  to  sleep — oh,  no ;  but  to  think,  to  try 
to  calm  himself,  and  to  pray. 


TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California.  117 

Dinner  came  on  ;  Miss  Hubblestubble  dined  alone.  Hour  after 
hour  passed,  and  Col.  Heartland  still  watched  at  his  daughter's  bed 
side—hopefully,  tearfully.  At  length,  just  as  the  sun  was  sinking  in 
the  west,  she  moved  restlessly  and  opened  her  eyes ,  she  looked 
around,  and  as  her  father  bent  anxiously  to  catch  her  first  words,  she 
said  : 

"  Father,  where  am  I  ?     What  does  this  mean  ?" 

She  was  conscious.  He  sank  upon  his  knees  and  thanked  God  for 
the  blessing,  then  answered  her  question  : 

"  You  are  in  your  father's  room,  my  child  ;  you  have  been  very  ill, 
but  you  are  better  now." 

"  I  thought,'  she  said,  as  the  last  hours  of  her  consciousness  grad 
ually  returned  to  her  memory,  "  I  thought  I  was  in  the  garden.,  by 
my — but  what  has  made  me  ill?"  she  asked,  interrupting  herself,  and 
looking  into  her  father's  sorrowful  face.  The  perspiration  stood  in 
big  drops  upon  his  forehead,  and  his  heart  fluttered,  sometimes  stopped 
altogether,  then  quivered  and  beat  more  rapidly  than  before.  He 
placed  his  hand  upon  it,  as  if  to  still  its  motion,  while  he  answered : 

"  Too  much  excitement,  Dr.  Brocker  said,  was  the  cause,  my  child." 

He  called  Bertina,  and  telling  her  to  stay  with  Alice,  he  left  the 
room,  saying  :  "  I  will  be  back  directly."  He  walked  into  the  library* 
and  throwing  up  the  sash,  took  his  seat  at  the  window.  He  had  recog 
nized  his  old  malady,  heart  disease,  and  was  trying  to  calm  himself 
ere  it  should  be  too  late.  The  fresh  air  restored  him,  before  Major 
Pettybone,  who  had  been  watching  and  listening  .for  him  to  leave 
Alice's  room,  could  reach  the  library.  He  walked  forward,  took  Col. 
Heartland's  hand,  and  then  seated  himself  near  him. 

"  She  is  better,  much  better,"  he  said,  in  answer  to  Major  Petty- 
bone's  inquiring  look.  "  The  excitement  has  been  almost  too  much 
for  me,  and  I  have  left  her  to  recover  myself." 

He  heard  a  slight  noise  in  the  vines  that  drooped  from  the  little  bal 
cony  that  overhung  the  window  at  which  he  sat.  He  looked  up  and 
saw  them  shaking.  "  These  little  birds  come  very  near  the  house,"  he 
said,  and  turning  towards  Major  Pettybone,  continued  :  "  I  am  afraid, 
my  friend,  this  heart  of  mine  will  cause  me  much  trouble  yet. 
Though  I  take  every  precaution  recommended  by  physicians,  I  feel 
that  I  am  growing  weaker,  that  I  have  these  palpitations  oftener,  and 
I  have  less  power  to  control  myself  under  excitement  of  any  kind." 

"  I  hope,"  said  his  friend,  "  it  is  not  so  serious  as  you  think,  and 
your  days  may  yet  be  long  and  your  life  happy.  It  is  strange  to  me, 
Colonel,  that  you  have  never  thought  of  a  second  marriage."  Col. 
Heartland  looked  up  quickly,  then  seeing  his  loved  friend  meant  noth- 


Ii8  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

ing  but  interest  in  his  welfare,  replied :  "  Henry,  you  are  the  only  per 
son  in  the  world  to  whom  I  can  speak  freely  on  this  subject.  I  have 
sometimes  jested  with  the  girl  companions  of  my  daughter,  but  be 
yond  this  I  have  never  gone,  even  in  thought.  I  buried  the  loveliest 
wife  that  ever  fell  to  the  lot  of  man.  With  her  I  buried  a  husband's 
love.  Around  the  past  fond  memory  clings,  and  I  ne'er  more  can  feel 
the  bright,  keen  joy  that  burns  on  wedded  lips."  Light,  life  and  hope, 
in  this  respect,  have  gone  from  my  heart.  This  chamber  of  my  heart 
is  unoccupied,  save  by  the  dim  spectre  of  past  happiness,  which  keeps 
its  lonely  vigil  there.  Could  my  Alice  have  had  a  counterpart,  could 
I  have  met  one  who  bore  her  resemblance,  perhaps  some  of  the  old 
feeling  might  have  revived ;  but  that  is  impossible." 

"  Not  at  all,  not  at  all,"  replied  his  friend.  "  You  are  eminently 
fitted  for  so  social  a  relation,  and  I  think,  if  you  could  prevail  upon 
yourself  to  mingle  more  in  ladies'  society,  you  would  find  some  fair, 
worthy  one  who  would 

"Water  the  heart  of  one  whose  early  flowers  have  died, 
And,  with  a  fresher  growth,  replenish  all  the  void." 

"I  think  not,"  said  Colonel  Heartland  sadly,  slowly;  "for  all  the 
earthly  happiness  I  shall  ever  know,  I  expect  to  depend  upon  my 
daughter,  and  '  when  life's  fitful  fever's  o'er,'  'and  this  mortal  coil  is 
shuffled  off,'  I  hope  for  rest,  eternal  rest !  Then,  and  not  till  then. 
Ah!  my  friend,  you  do  not  know  what  I  have,  and  do, .still  suffer. 
'  The  silent  agony  !  'tis  such  as  those  who  feel  could  paint  too  well ;' 
then  comes  a  '  calm  stagnation  that  were  bliss,  to  the  keen,  burning, 
harrowing  pain.'  But  I  must  not  'harrow  up'  your  feelings,  with 
my  troubles.  I  am  crushed  by  fate.  I  will  do  no  good  to  burden  you 
with  my  griefs,  situated  as  I  am,  '  the  heart  hath  no  relief  but  in 
breaking."' 

"  Be  not  so  gloomy,  I  beg  of  you,"  replied  Major  Pettybone.  "  Look 
upon  the  brightest  side  of  life,  Hope  bids  us  cherish  her,  and  happiness 
claims  our  homage.  We  have  no  moral  right  to  be  miserable,  under 
any  circumstances." 

"  I  agree  with  you  in  that,"  said  Col.  Heartland.  "  There  are  none 
of  us  who  have  not  something  for  which  we  should  be  grateful  to  the 
Giver  of  all  things.  Contentment,  they  say,  holds  the  secret  of  true 
earthly  happiness.  I  chased  it,  and  tried  to  grapple  it,  but  it  eludes 
my  grasp,  and  I  find  myself  impatient  and  weary,  because  time  is 
lagging,  and  eternity  seems  so  far  off.  Yet  I  could  not  willingly  go,  if 
called,  to  a  more  blessed  land.  There  is  a  tie  here,  a  sweet  and  holy 
tie,  that  I  have  no  desire  to  sever.  One  in  heaven ;  one  on  earth  !  I 
would  stay  with  the  one  that  needs  me  most.  For  my  daughter,  I 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  119 

have  lived.  It  was  a  thought  of  her  that  kept  her  father  from  a  sui 
cide's  grave,  in  that  dark  and  frenzied  hour,  when  he  forgot  his  God  ; 
forgot  all,  save  the  loss  he  had  sustained.  Yes,  oh,  yes,  I  humbly 
acknowledge  now,  that  the  spasm  of  terror  is  over,  and  the  intense 
agony  is  subdued  ;  that  I  have  a  great  deal  for  which  I  should  be,  and 
am,  grateful ;  a  daughter's  love  to  support  me  in  my  declining  years." 
"  It  is  of  her,  that  I  came  here  to-day  to  speak,"  said  Major  Petty- 
bone.  "  You  are  aware — .  Has  she  not  told  you  ?  I  mean,  has  Miss 
Alice  said  any  thing  about — ."  He  hesitated,  and  for  the  first  time  in 
all  their  intercourse,  Col.  Heartland  saw  his  friend  embarrassed.  He 
rose  to  his  feet,  walked  twice  around  the  room  and  back ;  he  cleared 
his  throat ;  stopped  in  front  of  his  friend,  and  resting  his  hands  upon 
the  back  of  his  chair,  said  boldly :  "  An  attachment  exists  between 
your  daughter  and  myself,  and  I  am  here  to  ask  your  sanction  to  our 
union."  If  a  thunderbolt  had  fallen  on  Col.  Heartland's  head,  it  could 
not  have  crushed  him  more  completely.  He  laid  his  head  upon  the 
window-sill  and  wept  aloud.  There  was  a  rustling  amid  the  vines 
overhead,  and  something  fell  upon  the  window  and  bounded  into  the 
room.  It  rolled  under  a  chair,  all  unobserved  by  Col.  Heartland,  but 
Major  Pcttybone  saw  it ;  he  made  no  remarks,  for  he  heard  hurried 
footsteps  leaving  the  balcony  above.  He  stood  awaiting  his  friend's 
reply.  He  did  not  doubt  what  would  be  the  purport  of  his  answer, 
but  he  wished  to  hear  it  from  his  lips.  At  length  it  came.  Col.  Heart 
land  arose  to  his  feet,  and  looking  at  Major  Pettybone,  said  :  "  I  would 
not  have  you  attribute  my  emotion  to  unwillingness,  on  my  part,  to 
consent  to  your  wishes.  Of  all  whom  I  have  ever  known,  I  would 
rather  commit  my  child's  happiness  to  your  keeping.  I  believe  in 
your  integrity  of  character,  and  honesty  of  purpose ;  but  the  pain  your 
announcement  caused  me,  was  the  result  of  the  thought  of  giving  her 
up.  You  will  not  think  strange  of  it,  when  you  remember,  she  is  my 
all ;  from  earliest  infancy  to  the  present  time,  she  has  been  my  constant 
care.  I  have  lived  for  nothing  else  but  my  child.  It  is  painful  to  me, 
to  know  that  her  happiness  is  in  other  than  her  father's  hands ;  still, 
I  am  willing  to  give  her  up,  because  I  know  that  I  cannot  stay  with 
her  long ;  that  she  will  now  have  a  younger  and  stronger  arm  to  lean 
upon,  and  I  will  add,  sir,  a  most  worthy  one.  In  this,  as  in  everything 
else,  she  has  her  father's  blessing.  I  now  understand  her  illness.  It 
was  a  dread  of  the  effect  of  this  communication  upon  me,  that  caused 
her  sufferings.  I  must  appear  cheerful  and  relieve  her  mind.  I  will 
tell  her,  and  truthfully  too,  that  it  pleases  me  greatly,  and  calm  her 
fears  as  far  as  regards  myself.  I  knew  full  well,  that  you  loved  my 
daughter,  but  I  did  not  know  you  had  told  her  of  it,  or  asked  her  to 
be  your  wife.  May  I  ask  how  long  this  engagement  has  existed  ?" 


I2O  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Only  since  last  night ;  and  now  let  me  thank  you,  Col.  Heartland, 
for  the  noble  sentiments  you  have  expressed,  and  assure  you,  I  will 
never  prove  unworthy  the  trust  you  have  reposed  in  me." 

"  Miss  Alice  wants  you,"  said  Bertina,  looking  in  at  the  door. 

"I'll be  back  directly."  said  Col.  Heartland,  rising  up. 

"No,  I'll  bid  you  good  evening  now,"  said  Major  Pettybone. 

"  Well,  come  to-morrow;  she  cannot  see  you  to-day,  as  Dr.  Brocker 
insists  upon  perfect  quiet." 

"Thank  you,  I  will,"  said  the  Major,  and  Col.  Heartland  hastened 
to  obey  the  summons  of  his  sick  child. 

Major  Pettybone,  being  now  alone,  stooped  and  picked  up  some 
thing  from  under  the  chair  on  the  floor.  He  took  a  piece  of  paper 
from  the  desk,  and  carefully  wrapped  it  up,  then  addressed  it  to  "Miss 
Augusta  Hubblestubble,  compliments  of  Henry  Pettybone,"  on  the 
paper  wrapper,  and  placed  it  in  his  pocket.  He  went  out  to  where  his 
horse  stood,  and  finding  Griffin  near  by,  he  took  the  package  from  his 
pocket,  and. saying,  "  Give  this  to  Miss  Hubblestubble  with  your  best 
bow,"  he  rode  off  towards  Pettybone  Hall. 

Griffin  went  into  the  house  musing,  "  Wonder  what  dis,  de  Major 
sont  her  ?  He  better  sont  it  to  Miss  Alice,  I  would'nt  waste  time  on 
dat  ole  gal.  I'se  going  to  look  in  dis  bundle,  I  is,  Bertina  gin  me  jessee 
for  not  seein'  in  dat  blue  bag,  when  Massa  Heartland  sont  it  up-stairs 
to  her,  by  me."  He  pulled  the  paper  a  little  to  one  side,  and  saw  gold 
glistening ;  "  breastpin,  I  bet ;  no,  but  it's  jewelry  ;  ring,  maybe  ;  no, 
too  big  for  dat ;  ear-rings,  no  not  dat.  What  is  it  ?"  He  pulled  the 
paper  to  one  side.  "  Wonder  what  he  gib  her  gold  presents  for  ?  Ha, 
ha,  yah  !"  said  he,  discovering  what  it  was.  "  Her  teeth,  as  I  lib ! 
Wonder  what  he  doing  wid  her  teeth  ?  I  will  take  dem  up  to  her, 
and  neber  let  on  as  I  knows.  Dat  'oman  is  false,  from  de  sole  ob  her 
head  to  de  crown  ob  her  foot."  He  handed  her  the  package,  she  took 
it,  and  shut  the  door  in  his  face.  He  came  down  stairs  grinning. 
"  Dat's  too  good,  must  tell  Bertina  'bout  it,"  and  he  did  tell  her. 

"  Well,  well,"  said  Bertina.  "  Almost  any  ob  us  do  sneaky  things 
sometimes,  when  we  gits  pressed.  I  'member  when  I  was  a  little  gal, 
in  Virginny,  my  good  ole  Miss  used  to  try  to  raise  me  nice,  like  a  white 
chile ;  I  'tend  to  be,  you  know,  but  sometimes  de  nigger  would  come 
out." 

"  Dat's  me,  when  I  was  a  boy,  too,"  said  Griffin. 

"  Well,  as  I  was  telling  you ;  ole  Miss  was  mighty  preacherous ; 
she  tell  us  to  do  right  all  de  time.  I  used  to  sarch  her  reticule,  ebery 
Sunday  mornin'  after  she  fix  for  church,  and  get  her  dimes  out,  what 
she  put  dar,  for  de  collection,  at  church.  I  den  take  de  tops  ob  ole 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  121 

silber  buttons  on  ole  Mar's  coat  and  put  in  dar.  I  go  to  church  wid 
ole  Miss,  and  it  looked  rale  funny,  to  see  how  pleasant  she  looked, 
when  she  take  de  buttons  out  her  little  bag,  and  drop  dem  into  de  hat, 
de  long  metre  coming  out'n  her  mouf,  at  de  same  time.  But  dat  was 
not  doing  nobody  no  harm,  was  it  Griffin  ?  She  neber  knowed  but 
she  put  in  de  money,  and  de  preacher  neber  knowed  who  put  in  de 
buttons  ;  and  I  'joyed  de  money  powerful,  and  no  harm  did." 

"  Dat's  me,  too,"  said  Griffln,  "  Ole  Massa's  vest  had  a  show  way  of 
ripping  ;  'specially  when  a  show  or  circus  was  coming  roun'.  He  had 
it  sewed  up,  'cause  he  lose  his  change.  Next  show  it  ripped  agin. 
He  had  it  sewed  agin,  and  was  none  de  wiser,  and  just  as  happy,  as 
if  he  had  lost  his  money  shure  nuff.  Nonsense  to  be  too  particular 
wid  children." 


122  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


MAJOR  PETTYBONE  AND  PETTYBONE  HALL. 

"  The  past  and  future  join  their  happy  hands 
Across  the  shining  present." 

After  leaving  Sierran  Villa,  Major  Pettybone  rode  along  thinking  of 
the  incidents  of  the  day.  He  regretted  not  seeing  Alice,  but  looked 
forward  with  pleasure  to  the  morrow.  He  thought  of  Miss  Hubble- 
stubble's  embarrassment  at  their  next  meeting,  after  what  had  occurred. 
He  kindly  thought,  too,  how  he  should  best  put  her  at  her  ease ;  for 
said  he  to  himself,  "  She  knows  that  I  know  she  was  on  the  balcony, 
listening,  with  her  mouth  wide  open,  and  dropped  her  teeth  out.  I 
enjoyed  her  confusion  at  the  time,  but  I  think  she  was  pilnished  suffi 
ciently  by  my  returning  her  grinders,  as  I  did.  I  thought  of  keeping 
them  for  a  day  or  two,  then  the  Golden  Rule  flashed  into  my  mind,  to 
'  do  unto  others  as  you  would  be  done  by,'  and  I  knew  if  I  were  in 
her  place,  I  would  have  liked  very  much  to  have  had  my  masticators 
in  place  as  soon  as  possible  ;  so  I  sent  them  to  her  forthwith.  After 
all,  she  has  done  no  harm ;  it  was  only  a  simple  curiosity  to  find  out 
what  we  were  talking  about,  and  she  took  the  best  method  she  could 
divine  of  satisfying  that  curiosity.  Col.  Heartland  is  a  most  unsus 
picious  man.  He  thought  the  birds  were  in  the  vines  on  the  balcony  > 
so  there  was  one  bird  there,  and  a  very  rare  one  at  that.  What  harm 
did  she  do  ?  She  simply  fluttered  away  when  she  heard  me  say  I 
wanted  to  marry  another  woman.  I  admire  her  independence.  She 
left  her  teeth  behind,  but  what  of  that  ?  Accidents  are  liable  to  hap 
pen  in  all  places  and  at  all  times.  I  don't  know  what  to  say  to  pacify 
her  feelings  in  the  matter ;  so  I  think  I'll  just  let  it  alone." 

He  arrived  at  home,  and  calling  Burleigh  to  take  his  horse,  he 
walked  up  the  broad  steps  of  his  house  ;  a  home,  so  soon  to  be  doubly 


Tahoc:  or  Life  in  California.  123 

dear ;  a  home  over  which  the  loveliest  mistress  in  the  land  was  soon 
to  preside.  Happy  thought !  Too  happy  for  realization  ;  too  fond  to 
be  anything  but  a  dream  ;  yet  it  must,  it  would  so  soon  be  a  reality. 
He  walked  into  his  library  ;  the  lamps  were  burning  cheerfully.  He 
took  down  a  book  of  poems  ;  he  could  not  read.  He  turned  the 
leaves  carelessly,  as  his  thoughts  ran  on  his  happiness.  He  thought 
what  a  glorious  thing  it  was  to  love  and  be  loved  in  return.  The 
future — the  bright  future,  engrossed  his  every  thought ;  and  to  think 
of  the  present,  of  what  was  necessary  to  be  done,  he  could  not. 

"  It  glided  away  like  a  spirit, 
Like  a  thought  we  cannot  retain," 

and  the  future  usurped  its  place.  He  was  not  alone.  In  imagination 
she  was  there  ;  the  one  he  loved  best  of  all  this  world.  She  sat  beside 
him,  the  queen  of  his  heart,  the  mistress  of  his  home.  He  saw  her 
girl-like  form  flitting  about  his  house,  he  heard  her  sweet  voice  sing 
ing  in  his  drawing-room ;  he  listened  to  the  low,  soft  music  until  it 
ceased  ;  he  heard  her  footsteps  ;  she  came  near  him  ;  his  hand  clasps 
hers ;  the  curly  head  rests  upon  his  bosom ;  he  prints  a  warm  kiss 
upon  the  brow,  and  this  home,  that  was  so  lonely  before,  now  becomes 
an  enchanted  castle,  with  a  fairy  queen  presiding.  He  was  called  out 
to  supper,  but  he  went  not  alone ;  at  his  side  the  lovely  woman  walked 
who  owned  his  heart ;  she  took  her  place  at  his  table,  and  her  fair  face 
and  gentle  words  charmed  him  as  he  ate.  He  rose,  and  as  he  left  the 
supper  room  he  said  to  Burleigh  :  "  I  wish  you  to  go  with  a  letter  to 
the  post  early  in  the  morning,  before  the  stage  passes  the  station.  Do 
not  disturb  me  to-night ;  I  will  wait  upon  myself.  Retire  early,  and 
come  to  my  room  at  the  first  peep  of  dawn."  He  went  into  the  library 
and  closed  the  door  after  him.  He  then  went  to  his  desk  and  taking 
out  a  pen  and  some  paper,  he  said  to  himself :  "  Yes,  I  must  make 
some  changes  in  my  establishment  here.  I  must  send  to  San  Fran 
cisco  for  workmen,  and  gather  here  everything  that  will  have  a  ten 
dency  to  beautify  and  adorn.  If  I  were  to  make  an  Eden  of  it,  it 
would  still  be  unworthy  her  occupancy.  I  would  adorn  it  as  the 
Assyrian  King  did  his  palaces  for  his  Persian  bride ;  I  would  bring 
from  '  Oman  and  from  Ind '  all  that  is  valuable  and  pleasing  to  con 
tribute  to  her  happiness.  These  lonely  hours  cannot  flee  too  fast. 
Ah  !  would  they  were  gone,  one  and  all.  But  this  is  not  writing  my 
letter."  He  dipped  his  pen  in  the  ink,  wrote  for  some  time,  dried  the 
letter  with  sand,  folded  it,  addressed  it,  and  laid  it  aside.  Then  his 
mind  went  back  to  the  days  of  his  boyhood,  when  life  was  new  and 
hopes  were  flush.  To  manhood  grown,  maturer  matters  engrossed 
his  mind.  He  traveled  again  in  many  lands.  These  associations  were 


124  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

pleasant,  but  they  could  not  claim  his  attention  long.  The  future,  the 
future  !  It  was  his  all-absorbing  thought.  "  How  heavily  time  hangs 
on  one's  hands,"  he  said,  "  when  we  have  some  cherished  object  in 
view  from  which  time  alone  separates  us ;  yet  sometimes 

"  How  unheeded  fly  the  hours, 

How  lighily  falls  the  foot  of  time, 
That  only  treads  on  flowers." 

A  little  while,  and  she  will  be  mine ;  there  will  be  no  dull  mo 
notony  here.  Upon  her  I  have  concentrated  all  my  affections 
after  wandering  almost  all  over  the  world.  I  will  banish  all  sorrow, 
all  worldly  care  from  the  heart.  I  have  offered  it,  and  it  shall  be  hers 
entirely,  without  division  or  reserve.  Happiness  shall  reign  without  a 
cloud  or  shadow  to  mar  it.  Oh,  that  I  were  the  master  of  the  genii, 
or  that  Aladdin's  lamp  were  mine,  that  I  might  rear  a  home,  a  para 
dise,  worthy  such  a  '  Peri.'  To  think  she  will  bear  my  name,  an  hon 
ored  name  I  call  it,  because  for  generations  there  is  no  foul  blot  on 
our  family  escutcheon.  In  all  else  so  unworthy,  I  am  at  least  worthy 
in  name.  Mine  has  been  a  noble  heritage,  and  I  feel  that,  on  the  part 
of  the  Heartland  family,  no  concessions  are  made  by  uniting  with  the 
house  of  Pettybone.  As  proud  and  fastidious  as  the  Heartland  and 
Fairfax  families  have  always  been,  they  can  make  no  objections  on  that 
score.  The  whole  world  attests  that  the  present  proprietor  of  Petty  • 
bone  Hall  is  no  mean  scum  of  his  race  ;  and  all  will  agree  that  Alice 
Heartland,  of  Sierran  Villa,  heiress  to  millions  though  she  be,  makes 
no  unworthy  match  in  wedding  a  Pettybone.  Yet  I  feel  flattered  and 
deeply  thankful  that  she  listened  to  and  accepted  my  proposition.  She 
is  too  innocent  to  flirt ;  my  practiced  eye  would  instantly  discover  that. 
Too  conscientious  to  deal  otherwise  than  candidly  and  plainly  with  a 
man  who  loves  her.  I  am  thankful  she  has  never  known  anything  of 
these  mendacious  customs  of  society.  It  is  her  very  simplicity  that 
has  won  me.  Deprive  her  of  this  and  her  chief  charm  would  be  gone. 
I  have  been  surfeited  by  fashion  and  worldlings.  The  maneuverings 
of  ladies  with  marriageable  daughters  have  amused  while  they  have 
disgusted  me,  and  I  am  thankful  that  it  is  not  my  fate  to  marry  a 
fashionable  woman,  but  instead,  this  sweet  being,  just  on  the  thresh- 
hold  of  womanhood,  just  reaching  the  age  of  womanly  perfection, 
when  all  is  dream-life.  The  door  of  the  school-room  just  closed 
behind,  and  the  bright,  glittering  future,  strewn  with  flowers,  spread 
out  before  her,  society,  courting,  and  pleasure  beckoning  her  onward. 
"  Amid  all  these,  her  young,  fresh  heart  throbbing  with  fidelity,  truth 
and  love,  she  has  consented  to  gladden  my  life  and  bring  joy  to  my 
home.  Blessed  be  the  name  of  woman  !  She,  and  only  she,  can  give 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  125 

to  life  all  that  is  worth  possessing.  'Man,  the  hermit,  sighed  till 
woman  smiled.'  No  wonder  he  sighed,  poor  fellow ;  I  sometimes 
wonder  how  he  could  have  lived  as  long  as  he  did  without  her.  Woman, 
who  is  our  all ;  who  bears  to  us  all  the  relations  of  mother,  sister, 
friend  and  wife.  Where  is  the  man  whose  life  has  not  in  some  way 
been  influenced  by  woman  ?  If  such  a  one  there  is,  he  is  not  a  man, 
and  has  no  right  to  wear  the  semblance.  He  should  be  classed  with, 
the  lower  animals.  He  surely  has  none  of  the  attributes  of  his  Maker, 
and  has  no  right  to  wear  his  image.  Of  him  who  does  not  appreciate 
woman,  I  would  say  what  the  poet  said  of  him  who  failed  to  love  his 
native  land  : 

k  High  though  his  titles,  proud  his  name, 
Boundless  his  wealth  as  wish  can  claim. 
Despite  these  titles,  power  and  pelf, 
The  wretch,  concentred  all  in  self, 
Living,  shall  forfeit  fair  renown, 
And  doubly  dying,  shall  go  down 
To  the  vile  dust  from  whence  he  sprung, 
Unwept,  unhonored  and  unsung.' 

"But  here  I  am  wasting  hours,  that  I  should  spend  in  sleep,  to  no 
purpose.  Is  it  to  no  purpose  ?  I  think  not.  To  live  in  happiness  is 
a  purpose.  It  creates  a  deeper,  holier  love  for  the  great  Giver  of  all. 
I  have  often  heard  it  said  that  adversity  is  a  chastening  rod  that 
draws  us  more  nearly  to  Christ.  I  differ  in  opinion  from  this.  In  joy 
and  happiness  I  feel  nearer  heaven — more  grateful  for  life  and  its 
blessings.  Never  in  all  my  life  did  I  worship  God  more  sincerely  and 
truly  than  I  do  to-night ;  and  never  did  I  feel  so  prosperous,  and  so 
perfectly  contented  with  my  lot,  and  all  the  good  that  has  fallen  to  my 
share.  He  has  showered  His  blessings  on  me,  and  left  nought  for  me 
to  wish  for.  I  approach  Him  with  a  heart  full  of  gratitude  and  love, 
and  on  my  bended  knees  offer  incense  and  eternal  reverence." 

He  took  his  lamp  and  went  to  his  bed-chamber  ;  he  tossed  restlessly 
upon  his  pillow  ;  he  was  too  happy  to  sleep. 

"Thoughts  on  thoughts,  a  countless  throng, 
Rushed,  chasing  countless  thoughts  along." 

The  •'  wee  sma'  hours  "  came  and  went,  and  still  slumber  visited  not 
his  couch.  He  had  "laid  down  to  pleasant  dreams,"  but  they  were 
waking  ones,  and  when  Burleigh  came  to  take  the  letters  to  the  post 
he  was  still  awake.  Sunrise  found  him  upon  the  east  portico,  and  he 
saw  old  Phoebus  spread  his  first  glorious  beam  of  morning  over  this  per 
fumed  western  land.  All  was  bright — bright  as  his  anticipations  of  a 
future  life.  The  singing  birds,  the  rustling  leaves,  the  waving  grass 
and  the  ripening  fruit,  all  spoke  to  him  a  language  of  hope,  trust  and 


126  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

love.  There  was  no  cold,  wintry  blast ;  no  snow  on  the  near  moun 
tain  peaks ;  nothing  cheerless  ;  nothing  to  mar  the  warm  beauty  of 
the  scene,  so  much  in  unison  with  his  own  feelings.  "Yes,"  he  mur 
mured,  "  I  feel  grateful ;  I  am  deeply  grateful,  and  the  man  would  in 
deed  be  wanting  in  all  the  proper  elements  of  manhood  who  showed 
a  want  of  gratitude  in  my  situation." 

He  walked  down  the  steps,  along  the  graveled  walks  into  the  orchard. 
The  trees  hung  heavy  with  their  golden  burdens.      The  fruit,   as  the 
flowers,  were  perfect.     No   insects  in  that  bright,  sunny  land  had 
marred  their  beauty  or  symmetry.      No  chilling  frosts  had  stamped 
imperfection  upon  their  fair  proportions.     He  walked  on  and  on,  the 
future  all  his  thoughts  pervading,  amid  the  vine  clad  hills  of   his 
grapery.     The  heavy,  rich  clusters  hung  in  luscious,  bursting  ripeness 
upon  the  vines.     He  thought  he  had  never  felt  the  morning  air  so  pure, 
so  invigorating,  or  seen  his  surroundings  shimmer  so  with  burnished 
gold.     He  retraced  his  footsteps  and  entered  the  house  just  in  time  for 
breakfast.     His  light  supper,  sleepless  night,  and  morning  walk  had 
given  him  an  appetite.     He  did  full  justice  to  his  delicious  breakfast, 
and  giving  orders  for  his  horse  to  be  brought  out,  he  went  to  his  room 
to  prepare  for  his  visit  to  the  villa.     He  laid  out  his  daintiest  shirt  and 
his  prettiest  cravat ;  he  fastened  costly  studs  in  the  bosom,  combed 
his  silken  hair,  and  as  he  stood  before  the  mirror  giving  his  toilet  the 
finishing  touch,  he  glanced  out  of  the  window  and  saw  two  persons, 
a  lady  and  a  gentleman  on  horseback,  cantering  up  the  road  that  led  to 
Col.  Heartland's.     "  That  is  Woodford  and  his  sister,"  thought  he. 
"  No,"  he  looked  again  ;  "  it  is  Aldridge  and  Miss  Ella.     They  are  go 
ing  to  see  Miss  Alice.     I  am  sorry  we  will  meet  there  again,  for  I  do 
not  like  this  man.     He  has  a  sinister  face,  and  despite  young  Wood- 
ford's  assertions  to  the  contrary,  I  plainly  see  the  marks  of  dissipa 
tion.     That  he  is  here  to  try  to  marry  Heartland's  daughter,  I  do  not 
doubt.     At  an  opportune  moment  I  shall  take  occasion  to  warn  my 
friend  against  him,  and  when  I  again  go  to  San  Francisco  I  shall  make 
inquiries  concerning  him.    However,  it  makes  but  little  difference  now. 
She  is  mine  by  a  holy  vow,  and  I  do  not  fear  that  she  will  break  it, 
and  though  it  cost   Heartland  a  severe  pang  to  give  his  consent,  he 
gave  it  freely.     But  I  must  be  going."     A  moment  more  he  was  in  his 
saddle,  riding  briskly  towards  Col.  Heartland's. 


Tahoc:  or  Life  in  California.  12 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


FATHER   AND    DAUGHTER. 

liSome  feelings  are  to  mortals  given, 
With  less  of  earth  in  them  than  heaven 
And  if  there  be  a  human  tear 
From  passion's  dross  refined  and  clear, 
A  tear  so  limpid  and  so  meek 
It  would  not  stain  an  angel's  cheek, 
'Tis  that  which  pious  fathers  shed 
Upon  a  dutious  daughter's  head." 

Upon  leaving  Major  Pettybone,  to  answer  the  summons  of  his 
daughter,  Col.  Heartland  entered  the  room  and  found  Alice  seated  in 
an  arm-chair,  arrayed  in  a  lovely  blue  and  white  wrapper.  He  seemed, 
as  he  was,  surprised.  In  answer  to  his  inquiring  look,  she  said : 

•'  You  see,  father,  that  I  am  well  again,  and  I  thought  it  was  wrong 
to  remain  in  bed,  causing  you  such  uneasiness,  when  I  am  so  com 
pletely  restored." 

"  I  am  afraid,  my  child,  you  are  overtasking  yourself,"  and  he 
smiled,  as  he  thought,  perhaps,  she  had  arisen  with  a  hope  to  see  the 
visitor  he  had  just  dismissed.  "  But  I  am  sorry,"  he  said,  playfully; 
"  I  did  not  know  you  felt  so  well,  then  I  would  have  asked  our  friend 
to  remain  to  tea." 

"  Has  he  gone  ?  "  she  asked,  all  the  brightness  fading  from  her  face. 

"Yes,  my  darling,  but  he  will  return  to-morrow,"  said  her  father, 
misinterpreting  her  expression. 

"  She  regrets  she  has  to  pain  me,"  he  mused,  "and  yet  she  is  dis 
appointed  that  she  did  not  see  him.  I  will  talk  freely  and  cheerfully 
to  her,  concerning  this  matter,  to-night,  and  free  my  chi  Id  from  any 
anxiety  as  regards  myself.  I  will  bear  all  the  trouble  that  falls  to  my 
lot  by  myself,  and  let  her  be  happy.  It  was  her  distress  of  mind  that 


128  Talwe:  or  Life  in  California. 

caused  her  illness,  and  all  on  my  account.  I  will  cheer  her  by  show 
ing  her  how  happy  I  am,  and  how  pleased  I  am  with  her  selection  of 
a  lover."  "  I  wish  to  talk  with  you,  Alice,  to-night,  if  you  feel  strong 
enough,"  he  continued  aloud,  as  Bertina  entered,  bringing  a  waiter 
with  tea  and  crackers,  which  she  placed  on  a  table  near  the  young 
lady. 

"  I  am  quite  anxious,  father,  to  hear  what  it  is  you  are  going  to  tell 
me.  I  feel  well,  and  intend  to  deny  your  right  to  put  it  off  again . 
You  promised  me  on  All  Hallow-een,  I  should  hear  it  at  an  opportune 
time,  and  I  am  sure  you  could  not  pick  a  time  or  place  more  conven 
ient.  Now  go  and  get  your  supper  while  I  take  mine." 

He  arose  and  left  the  room,  and  returned  in  about  fifteen  minutes, 
and  took  his  seat  beside  her ;  then  dismissing  Bertina,  he  drew  his 
daughter  near  him. 

"  Come  back  in  an  hour,  Bertina,"  said  Alice,  as  she  was  leaving  the 
room ;  "I  wish  to  sleep  in  my  own  room  to-night." 

" Yes,  mam,"  said  the  nurse;  "I'll  be  on  hand,"  and  she  walked 
out,  closing  the  door  behind  her. 

"My  daughter,  you  must  not  stay  in  your  room  alone  to-night. 
Miss  Hubblestubble  will  no  doubt  be  obliging  enough — 

"  No,  father,  no,"  said  Alice. 

"  Bertina,  then,"  said  her  father. 

"  If  you  wish  it,  but  I  am  not  afraid  to  stay  alone ;  you  know  I 
have  been  alone  ever  since  Miss  Edith  left." 

"  My  daughter,  do  you  know  what  you  called  Miss  Hubblestubble 
in  your  delirium  ?  " 

"Yes,  father;  Bertina  was  just  through  telling  me  when  I  sent  her 
for  you  this  evening,  I  feel  deeply  mortified." 

"  Has  she  been  in  to  see  you  since  I  left  ?" 

"  No,  sir ;  I  wish  she  would  come,  for  I  want  to  beg  her  pardon. 
Though  there  is  no  congeniality  between  us,  I  would  not  in  any  way 
wound  her  feelings  for  worlds.  I  do  not  know  why  I  called  her 
tarantula,  and  that,  too,  in  Dr.  Brocker's  presence." 

"  Well,  after  we  get  through  our  talk  to-night,  we  will  invite  her 
down  and  laugh  the  matter  off." 

"  Was  she  down  to  supper,  father  ?  " 

"  Yes,  but  had  little  to  say,  and  I  hurried  through  to  get  back  to 
you,  and  left  her  in  the  dining-room.  But  to  change  the  subject,  do 
you  know  I  am  afraid  of  heart  disease  with  you,  my  dear  child  ?  It 
has  been  the  curse  of  my  race.  One  by  one  it  has  carried  off  all  of 
my  family,  till  I  only  am  left,  and  I  have  now  a  well  developed  case 
of  it." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  129 

"  You  need  fear  nothing  of  the  kind,  dear  father,  on  my  account," 
replied  she. 

"  I  had  hoped  not,  until  this  illness  of  yours.  I  wish  you  to  be 
careful  and  avoid  all  excitement,  my  daughter.  I  recognized  the  con 
stitution  of  the  Heartlands  in  this  case.  You  are  wonderfully  like 
my  family.  Have  you  never  noticed  your  likeness  to  your  father?  " 

"  Often,"  she  replied,  and  it  has  been  such  a  source  of  pride  and 
joy  to  me." 

"  I  have  so  often  wished  you  resembled  your  mother,"  said  he;  "  that 
mother  of  whom  I  wished  to  speak  to  you  to-night," 

"  I  have  long,  so  long,  desired  to  hear  something  of  her,  but  when 
ever  the  subject  was  broached  it  seemed  painful  to  you,  so  I  have 
never  questioned  you.  I  hope  you  will  tell  me  all  about  my  dear 
mother.  Her  life,  her  death,  as  well  as  her  family,  and  my  baby  life. 
Once  or  twice  I  have  ventured  to  ask  Bertina  questions,  but  she  said 
you  forbade  her  speaking  of  the  past,  and  of  my  family,  to  me.  Not 
wishing  to  inquire  into  what  my  father  did  not  care  to  have  me  know, 
I  ceased  my  questions  until  you  should  see  proper  yourself  for  me  to 
know  these  things." 

"  I  kept  them  from  you,  Alice,  for  two  reasons.  First,  because  I 
did  not  wish  to  burden  your  young  heart  with  them  too  soon  ;  second 
ly,  because  a  recital  of  them  would  be  so  painful  to  me." 

"  That  being  the  case,"  said  Alice,  "  had  you  not  better  continue 
your  silence  on  this  subject  ?  " 

"No,  the  time  has  come  when  I  would  have  you  know  all,  I  may  die  at 
any  moment,  and  then  at  best  you  could  only  get  a  servant's  idea  of 
the  past.  I  have  the  family  Bibles  of  both  families  in  the  bottom  of 
my  secretary  in  the  library.  They  are  yours,  and  will  afford  you  all 
the  chronological  information  concerning  your  family.  I  am  a  Vir 
ginian  by  birth,  as  you  know,  for  Bertina  and  Griffin  could  not  have 
kept  that  if  their  lives  had  depended  upon  it." 

"  Yes,  they  have  often  told  me  of  olden  times  in  Virginia,"  said  Alice, 
"and  I  think  Virginia  must  have  been  a  most  glorious  place,  from  what 
I've  heard ;  and  I  am  going  to  try  and  get  my  father  to  take  me  there 
as  soon  as  the  great  railroad  is  finished." 

"  I  will,  provided  some  one  else  does  not,"  he  added.  He  saw  her 
eyes  fall,  and  he  continued.  "But  now  to  my  story.  I  was  left  an 
orphan,  and  struggled  to  manhood  among  many  heart  difficulties.  I 
found  myself  master  of  a  fair  estate  ;  my  heart  had  found  a  home ;  I 
loved  Miss  Alice  Fairfax,  and  my  love  was  reciprocated  ;  we  were  wed. 
I  soon  found  that  the  climate  of  Virginia  did  not  suit  her  constitution, 
and  her  physician  advised  me  to  take  her  to  a  land  where  spring  and 

9 


130  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

summer  reigned  eternal.  California  was  known  as  such  a  country,  and 
feeling  that  the  sea  voyage  would  benefit  my  wife,  and  a  residence  in 
that  country  would  prolong  her  life,  I  determined  to  waive  all  pecuni 
ary  considerations,  and  leave  the  land  of  my  birth.  We  emancipated 
these  two  servants,  Bertina  and  Griffin,  who  followed  us,  sold 
our  property  in  the  East  at  a  sacrifice,  and  placing  my  wife's  youngest 
and  only  sister  at  Patapsco,  Maryland,  at  school,  we  purposed  to  view 
the  promised  land." 

"  And  what  became  of  this  aunt  of  mine  ?"  asked  Alice  anxiously. 
"Is  she  alive?" 

"No ;  she  is  dead,  but  I  will  tell  you  all  about  it.     The  parting  be 
tween  my  wife  and  her  sister  was  very  affecting ;  and  I  promised,  so 
soon  as  Annie  should  complete  her  course  of  study,  she  should  share  our 
western  home.     I  would,  myself,  go  for  her.     As  the  law  required  her 
guardian  to  be  a  resident  of  the  State  where  her  property  was,  I  gave 
up  her  guardianship  to  a  responsible  gentleman  in  Virginia,  and  left  for 
California.     My  wife  suffered  much  on  the  trip,  but  after  arriving  here 
she  seemed  to  be  revived  by  new  scenes  and  the  genial  clime,  and  en 
tered  with  interest  upon  the  task  of  helping  me  make  a  new  home. 
We  bought  this  league  of  land,  and  gathering  around  us  all  the  appurte 
nances  of  civilized  life  within  our  reach,  we  located,  adorned  and  beauti 
fied  our  new  home.  Near  here,  then,  passed  the  road  most  traveled  to  the 
mines,  and  frequently  some  of  the  miners  were  our  guests  for  a  night. 
Sometimes  they  would  lose  their  way,  and,  wandering   among  the 
mountains,  would  descry  our  abode  from  afar,  and,  guided  by  the  lights 
would  seek  shelter  with  us  during  the  rainy  season.     On  one  occasion, 
at  early  dawn,  a  man  came,  and  hurridly  called  for  assistance.     I  went 
with  him,  and  he  carried  me  where  a  poor  miner  lay  dying.     '  Is  that 
Col.  Heartland  ?'  he  asked  as  I  approached.     I  replied  in  the  affirma 
tive.     '  If  I  could  have  but  reached  your  house  ;  but  it  is  too  late,  too 
late  !'  and  he  died.     From  his  companion  Llearned  that  the  poor  man 
was  taken  ill  on  the  way  to  the  mines,   and,  if  timely  assistance  had 
been  at  hand,  he  might  have  been  saved.     I  inquired  why  he  had  not 
come  to  our  dwelling.     He  said  he  started  to  do  so,  when  the  lights  in 
the  house  had  been  put  out,  and  he  could  not  find  the  way.     He  wan 
dered  about  lost  until  after  day,  when  he  came,  as  I  have  told  you.     I 
returned  home,  and  told  your  mother  the  mournful  story.     She  was 
shocked  and  deeply  grieved,  and  said  she  would  prevent  such  an  oc 
currence  again  by  keeping  a  light  always  burning.     She  sent  for  work 
men,  and  had  the  tower  on  the  north  of  the  house  built,  and  placed  a 
a  red  light  there.     She  kept  it  burning  there,  night  and  day,  as  long  as 
she  lived  ;  and  since,  I  have  never  forgotten  or  neglected  it.     During 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  13! 

her  last  illness,  she  would  ask,  '  Is  the  light  in  the  tower  burning  ? 
Never  let  it  go  out.'  On  a  dreary  night,  many  years  ago,  there  was  a 
fight  between  the  Indians  and  the  whites.  There  was  a  heavy  snow 
storm  up  in  the  mountains,  and  a  general  gloom  spread  over  this  fair 
land.  A  wounded  Indian  saw  our  light,  and  made  his  way  hither. 
He  was  very  much  excited,  and  could  scarcely  be  patient  enough  for 
your  mother  to  bandage  his  wounds.  Sick  and  faint,  she  gave  him 
some  wine,  and  he  departed  after  some  hurried  gestures,  which  he 
meant  for  gratitude.  Soon  after  we  received  a  message  from  the 
chief  of  the  tribe,  through  an  English  mountaineer,  in  which  he 
thanked  us  for  our  light  in  the  tower,  my  wife's  kindness,  and  prayed 
that  the  Great  Spirit  would  dwell  with  us  always.  He  further  said 
that  we  should  not  only  be  unmolested,  but  his  braves  should  protect 
us  and  ours  whenever  we  required  any  assistance.  Sometime  after 
you  were  born,  and  we  began  to  feel  that  a  '  babe  in  the  house  was  a 
well-spring  of  joy.'  Your  mother's  health  at  this  time  caused  us 
much  anxiety,  and  Annie's  letters  came  less  and  less  frequently,  and 
finally  ceased  altogether.  I  wrote  to  her  guardian  to  know  t he  mean 
ing  of  her  silence.  Afteralong  time,  his  answer  came.  Hesaidshehad 
eloped  from  school  with  Robert  Ridgeway,  a  young  man  of  most  dis 
solute  habits,  and  notoriously  bad  character.  His  father  was  a  man 
of  position  and  wealth,  and,  as  is  often  the  case,  he  had  a  most  worthless 
son.  He  had  demanded  and  received  his  wife's  portion,  and  was  spend 
ing  it  in  every  conceivable  way.  Your  mother's  grief  was  unbounded  '. 
she  reproached  herself  for  leaving  her  young  sister,  and  for  committing 
her  to  the  charge  of  any  one  else.  I  tried  to  pacify  her,  but  she  refused 
to  be  comforted,  and  sank  rapidly  into  her  grave.  She  committed  you 
to  my  care,  and  besought  Bertina  to  remain  with  you.  She  would  not, 
for  reasons  of  her  own,  tell  the  old  faithful  servant  of  her  sister's 
misfortune  and  disgrace.  Just  before  dying,  she  requested  me  to 
place  no  other  monument  upon  her  grave  but  lilies  and  violets,  and 
that  I  should  bury  her  in  the  corner  of  the  garden,  where  the  light 
from  the  tower  could  shine  upon  her  last  resting  place,  thus  keeping 
it  from  being  in  the  dark  at  any  time.  My  agony  was  almost  insup 
portable,  and  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  sacred  duty  I  owed  to  you,  my 
child,  I  think  I  should  have  taken  my  own  life." 

Alice  started,  "  Father,  are  there  any  circumstances  under  which 
you  would  do  such  a  thing  ?" 

"  Not  now.  my  daughter  ;  for  I  have  grown  calmer  since  then.  My 
heart  disease  developed  rapidly,  and  I  found  it  necessary  to  control 
myself  for  your  sweet  sake.  Thus,  y,ou  see,  even  your  innocent,  baby 
hand  had  the  power  to  hold  me  back  from  a  deed  that  would  have 


132  Tahoe:  -or  Life  in  California. 

separated  me  from  your  mother  forever.  I  can  never  forget  the  feel 
ings  of  my  agonized  heart,  as,  with  my  baby  in  my  arms,  I  re 
turned  to  the  desolate  house,  after  the  burial.  Your  crowing  and 
laughter,  pierced  my  heart  like  ten  thousand  daggers,  and  the  infant 
smile  that  wreathed  your  face  was  seeming  mockery.  Night  came, 
the  hour  when  children  always  nestle  to  the  mother's  heart.  The  baby 
laugh  was  changed  to  a  wail,  and  the  baby  eyes  filled  with  tears.  I  tried, 
by  every  art,  to  give  solace  and  comfort.  I  walked  the  floor  with  my 
child  in  my  arms ;  you  still  cried ;  I  walked  on ;  and  long  after  mid 
night  exhaustion  came,  and,  sobbing,  you  fell  asleep.  I  placed  you  on 
the  bed,  and,  with  a  broken  and  desolate  heart,  lay  down  beside  you. 
Occasional  sobs  still  convulsed  your  baby  frame.  I  fell  into  a  disturbed 
sleep.  I  awoke  ;  it  was  day-light,  and  you  still  slept.  I  went  out  into 
the  fresh  air,  leaving  Bertina  with  you.  When  I  returned  you  were 
smiling  and  crowing,  but  your  little  face  was  swollen,  from  so  much 
weeping.  The  next  night  I  went  through  the  same,  and  the  next,  and 
the  next.  I  cannot — will  not — try  to  portray  the  desolation  of  those 
mournful  days  and  gloomy  nights.  Time  passed  on,  ond  I  grew 
more  contented  with  my  sad,  sad  lot.  I  occupied  myself  with  care  of 
you  ;  I  trusted  my  business  affairs  entirely  to  agents,  and  for  years  I 
never  went  to  San  Francisco,  but  remained  here  with  my  baby.  You 
accompanied  me  everywhere ;  my  constant  companion  by  day  and  by 
night.  I  began  to  feel  grateful  to  God  for  such  a  blessing.  I  grew 
more  cheerful  under  your  happy  influence,  and  was  satisfied  with  the 
hope  of  a  reunion  beyond  the  skies." 

"But  my  aunt  Annie,  what  became  of  her?"  said  Alice.  "Tell  me 
of  her." 

"  It  did  not  take  her  worthless  husband  long,"  continued  Col.  Heart 
land,  "  to  get  through  with  her  fortune.  He  then  started  off,  as  he  told 
her,  to  make  a  fortune ;  leaving  her  with  a  helpless  infant  daughter. 
He  died,  soon  after  reaching  his  destination,  of  small-pox.  Annie 
wrote  to  me  of  her  situation,  in  heart-rending  terms,  and  begged  me 
to  come  for  her." 

"  Oh,  father  !  why  did  you  not  go  ?" 

"  Wait,  and  I  will  tell  you.  You  were  too  unwell  for  me  to  think  of 
leaving  you.  I  got  a  friend  to  go  immediately,  with  means  to  relieve 
her  necessities,  and  bring  her  here.  He  reached  there,  and  found 
her  condition  one  of  extreme  penury.  He  started  with  her,  but  reached 
New  Orleans  in  the  height  of  yellow  fever.  She  contracted  it,  and  the 
poor,  oppressed,  and  grief-stricken  soul  soon  passed  away." 

"  And  her  baby  !"  said  Alice.     "  My  little  cousin  ;  where  is  she  ?" 
My  friend  could  not,  of  course,  bring  an  infant  on  such  a  long 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  133 

journey,  so  he  placed  it  in  the  charge  of  the  Nuns  of  the  Sacred  Heart, 
and  came  home  alone.  I,  of  course,  was  shocked,  as  the  last  news  I 
had  from  them  they  were  on  the  eve  of  starting  for  California.  I  was 
enraged  when  I  was  informed  in  detail  of  the  manner  in  which  Ridge- 
way  treated  your  aunt,  and  I  took  immediate  steps  to  have  the  infant's 
name  changed,  by  special  act  of  legislature,  from  Annie  Ridgeway  to 
that  of  Annie  Heartland.  I  was  unwilling  that  the  child  should  bear 
the  name  of  so  contemptible  a  father.  Besides,  I  desired  not  to  be 
reminded  of  him  in  any  way.  I  had  seen  him  once,  on  one  of  his 
father's  country  places,  in  Virginia.  Your  mother  and  myself  were 
riding  out,  sometime  previous  to  our  marriage,  one  beautiful  evening, 
along  the  river,  near  one  of  the  Ridgeway  estates,  when  we  were 
attracted  by  a  noise  behind  us,  and,  on  looking  around,  saw  a  young 
man  beating  his  horse  in  a  most  unmerciful  manner.  Your  mother 
was  horrified,  and  wished  to  stop  and  beg  for  the  poor  dumb  beast, 
but  I  knew  it  would  be  useless,  and  persuaded  her  to  ride  on.  Upon 
inquiry,  we  found  it  to  be  young  Ridgeway.  I  little  dreamed  then  the 
part  that  brutal  young  man  was  to  play  in  our  family.  I  thought  their 
as  I  think  now,  that  a  man  who  will  beat  his  horse  will  ruthlessly 
trample  upon  those  who  are  near  to  him,  so  soon  as  he  has  the  power 
to  do  so.  I  have  seen  enough  of  the  world  to  be  satisfied  that  a  man 
who  will  abuse  power  in  one  instance,  will  do  so  in  another ;  in  every 
other,  I  may  say.  Sometimes,  from  a  force  of  surrounding  circum 
stances,  or  from  policy,  such  a  man  may  control  his  brutal  passions, 
as  far  as  his  fellow-beings  are  concerned — that  is,  he  will  not  openly 
use  brute  force ;  but  he  will  tear  the  secret  heart  from  its  fastenings 
and  trample  upon  its  bleeding  fibers.  He  will  revel  in  the  agony  of 
his  crushed  victims,  and  chuckle,  that  the  world  cannot  see  his  hellish 
purposes.  As  I  said,  I  had  her  name  changed.  She  grew  old  enough 
to  be  placed  at  school,  where  she  died ;  so  ended  the  matter.  But,  my 
child  "  ard  large  tear-drops  glistened  on  his  eyelids,  "you  know  my 
home  is  soon  to  be  disorganized.  You  are  the  affianced  wife  of  my 
best  and  truest  friend,  and  Miss  Hubblestubble  must  either  return  to 
the  East  or  get  another  home." 

Alice's  eyes  filled.  Thinking  that  the  thought  of  leaving  him  was 
the  cause  of  her  gnef,  he  tried  to  soothe  her  gently.  He  said :  "  I 
will  be  absent  a  great  deal  hereafter  on  business,  and  when  here  will 
stay  with  you  most  of  the  time ;  and  let  me  say  to  you,  my  daughter, 
that  I  am  very  well  pleased,  indeed,  with  the  choice  you  have  made, 
and  only  feel  hurt  that  you  did  not  confide  to  your  father  your  prefer 
ences  in  this  matter.  Never  mind,  never  mind  !"  he  said,  as  he  saw 
she  tried  to  speak  and  tears  choked  her  utterance.  "But,  my  child 
when  dees  your  marriage  take  place  ?" 


134  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"There  is  no  time  fixed,  as  yet,"  she  sadly  answered,  and  a  sigh 
escaped  her. 

He  noticed  that  she  showed  no  disposition  to  converse  on  this  sub 
ject.  "  I  will  say  no  more  to-night,"  he  thought.  "  It  may  excite  her 
too  much  ;  she  has  already  borne  a  great  deal.  Major  Pettybone  will 
be  here  to-morrow,  and  perhaps  other  company,  and  she  needs  rest  to 
enable  her  to  entertain  them."  He  continued  aloud  :  "  Alice,  had  we 
not  better  see  Miss  Hubblestubble  a  little  while,  and  then  retire  ?  It 
is  already  getting  late." 

"  Yes,  father ;  I  would  like  to  see  her  a  little  while,  and  apologize 
for  my  rudeness,"  said  Alice,  "  though  I  was  not  responsible  for  what 
I  said,  I  would  not  willingly  wound  anyone." 

Col.  Heartland  rang  for  Bertina,  and  sent  her  up-stairs  to  tell 
Miss  Hubblestubble  they  would  be  glad  of  her  company  for  a  little 
while. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  135 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


"  When  hope  deferred  but  to  depart, 
Loses  its  smiles  but  keeps  its  sighs." 

Let  us  follow  Miss  Hubblestubble  from  the  time  of  Dr.  Bror.ker's 
departure  to  the  time  that  Bertina  rapped  at  her  "chamber  door  and 
delivered  Col.  Heartland's  message.  When  Alice  called'her  tarantula 
in  the  presence  of  the  doctor,  she  indignantly  retreated  j:o  her  own 
room,  and  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears.  "  I  wish  I  were  dead,"  she 
said,  "  for  a  woman  had  better  be  dead  than^unmarried.  I  have  heard 
some  of  them  say  they  remained  single  from  choice  ;  but  in  my  opin 
ion  their  choice  consisted  in  being  situated  like  Alexander  Selkirk ; 
out  of  the  range  of  anybody  to  marry.  That  certainly  has  been  my 
fix ;  I  know  I  have  honestly  tried,  but  failed  so  far.  No  longer  than 
last  night  I  told  Mr.  Aldridge  I  had  remained  single  from  fastidious 
ness.  He  believed  me,  and  complimented  me  highly.  It  is  said,  '  all 
is  fair  in  love  and  war !'  I  know  I  .have  tried  all  fair  and  unfair 
means  to  get  me  a  husband,  either  suitable  or  unsuitable,  and  I  have 
found  that  this  business  of  trying  to  get  married  is  both  love  and  war, 
combined.  All  the  contents  of  my  blue  reticule,  as  well  as  all  the 
contents  of  my  head,  have  been  exhausted  in  the  enterprise,  and 
nothing  definite  accomplished  as  yet.  I  first  thought  I  would  try  Col. 
Heartland,  but  found  him  such  a  bear ;  so  unsocial ;  and  even  rude  at 
times,  that  I  abandoned  the  idea,  and  set  my  heart  on  Major  Petty- 
bone,  who  did  everything  in  his  power  to  win  my  affections,  only  that 
he  might  cast  them  aside.  I  thought  him  a  handsome,  gallant,  truth 
ful  man,  and  found  him  a  'snake  in  the  grass.'  Heijust  as  good  as 
told  me  he  loved  me  only  last  night,  and  if  I  only  had  sufficient"  tan 
gible  evidence  I  would  sue  him  for  breach  of  promise,  and  heal  my 
wounded  heart  with  some  of  the  vast  wealth  he  is  said  to  possess. 
Here  in  the  West  and  down  South  a  woman  gets  no  sympathy  in^a 


136  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

case  of  that  kind.  She  only  makes  herself  the  laughing  stock  of  the 
community,  by  asserting  her  rights  in  a  court  of  justice ;  and  a  jury 
will  always  render,  a  verdict  against  her,  unless  the  evidence  is  so 
plain  as  to  force  them  to  a  contrary  conviction.  It  is  not  so  in  New 
England.  Just  let  a  man  there  serve  a  woman  such  a  trick  as  this 
man  served  me,  and  if  he  does  not  go  home  with  his  portemonnaie  as 
flat  as  my  foot,  then  I  am  mistaken.  I  did  not  mean  such  a  severe 
criticism  upon  my  foot,  but  it  makes  no  difference,  there  is  no  one 
here  to  hear  it,  and  it  was  the  flattest  thing  I  could  think  of  just  then. 
Yes,  there  is  justice  there,  and  sympathy,  too  ;  but  there  is  none  here. 
But  I  would  not  care  to  be  made  the  laughing  stock  if  I  could  get  the 
money,  for  I  could  laugh  on  the  other  side,  then,  myself ;  for  then  I 
could  buy  a  husband — but  I  do  not  want  a  cheap  one  like  other  com 
modities  ;  the  higher  the  price,  the  more  valuable.  To  attempt  it  and 
fail  is  what  I  would  rather  not  do.  That  man  is  so  heartless,  so  coolly 
impertinent;  I  heard  him  follow  Col.  Heartland  into  the  library,  and 
if  I  had  not  tipped  noiselessly,  in  my  stocking  feet,  to  the  balcony 
over  the  library  window,  and  overheard  his  conversation,  he  might 
have  succeeded  in  enlisting  my  feelings  to  an  alarming  extent.  But 
Augusta  Hubblestubble  has  not  lived  to  her  present  age  to  let  villain 
ous  men  tamper  with  her  feelings,  without  using  all  fair  means  to 
find  them  out.  To  be  sure  my  frame  shivered  and  my  teeth  chattered, 
when,  in  plain  terms,  I  heard  him  ask  Col.  Heartland  for  that  simple, 
baby-faced  daughter  of  his.  I  opened  my  mouth  in  holy  horror  at 
his  audacity,  and  my  teeth  fell  out,  and  before  I  could  catch  them, 
they  get  into  the  vines,  jolted  down,  and  fell  into  the  library  through 
the  window.  He  knew  exactly  how  it  all  occurred,  and  instead  of 
being  abashed  by  it,  in  a  gentlemanly  manner,  he  actually  wrapped 
them  in  a  paper,  and  writing  his  compliments  upon  it,  sent  it  up  to 
me  by  that  grinning  creature,  Griffin.  I  was  mortified  to  death, 
almost,  at  first,  but  I  think  now  if  he  can  stand  it,  I  can.  It  is  awful 
— awful,  to  be  a  poor,  single  woman  !  Boo,  hoo,  hoo !  But  I  must 
wipe  my  eyes.  There  comes  that  horrid  negress,  Bertina,  up  the 
stairs  now.  I  wonder  what  she  wants  ?  I  heard  her  husband  laugh 
ing  in  the  pantry,  the  other  day,  about  her  burning  up  my  cheek 
plumpers.  He  said  he  had  seen  an  old  maid  in  Virginia  who  used 
them,  and  consequently  he  knew  what  they  were ;  but  his  wife  got 
them  on  the  fire  before  he  saw  them.  She  explained  to  him  that  she 
thought  they  were  some  kind  of  spiders,  and  she  first  threw  them  out 
of  the  window,  then  taking  them  with  the  tongs,  she  carried  them  to 
the  kitchen  and  put  them  on  the  fire.  He  rolled  over  and  over  on  the 
floor,  and  it  seemed  as  if  his  African  risibilities  would  burst  his  black 


TaJwe:  or  Life  in  California.  137 

cuticle.  Now  I  don't  want  to  be  disturbed  by  that  woman  I  hear 
coming.  Her  young  mistress,  as  she  calls  her,  pretended  to  be  delir 
ious  to-day,  and  called  me  a  '  tarantula.'  If  I  could,  I  would  pay  her 
all  the  grudges  I  owe  her." 

"  What's  wanted  ?"  she  asked,  as  Bertina  rapped  at  the  door.  Ber- 
tina  delivered  the  message  and  walked  hastily  away,  and  Miss  Hub- 
blestubble  bathed  her  face,  painted  her  cheeks,  penciled  her  eyebrows, 
and  descended  to  answer  the  summons  she  had  received.  Col.  Heart 
land  arose  and  offered  a  chair  as  she  entered  the  room,  and  Alice  ex 
tended  her  hand  towards  her.  "  I  have  been  told,"  she  said,  "  that  I 
used  some  ungentle  language  towards  you  while  I  had  the  fever,  and 
I  humbly  beg  your  pardon." 

"  It  makes  no  difference,"  replied  Miss  Hubblestubble  with  a  smile  ; 
"  I  did  not  think  of  it  again ;  I  knew  you  were  delirious." 

"  I  have  been  much  grieved  about  it." 

"  I  could  not  and  did  not  blame  you." 

"  Thank  you,"  continued  Alice.  "  Now  I  must  bid  you  good  night." 
She  arose  and  staggered  a  little,  her  father  supported  her  and  led  her 
up-stairs  to  her  room.  At  the  door  he  bade  her  good  night,  and  on 
the  steps,  returning,  he  met  Miss  Hubblestubble  making  her  way  back 
to  her  chamber. 

"  Good  night,  Colonel,"  she  said,  and  offered  her  hand. 

"Good  night,"  returned  he,  without  looking  towards  her,  and  near 
ly  loosing  his  balance  over  the  banisters.  He  went  rapidly  down  into 
his  room,  and  closed  the  door  with  a  slam. 

"  I  detest  that  woman  with  all  my  heart,"  he  said  aloud,  and  look 
ing  up  he  saw  Bertina  in  the  room. 

"  I  am  jist  gathering  up  Miss  Alice's  things  she's  lef,"  said  Bertina 
in  answer  to  his  by  no  means  mild  look. 

"  I  thought  you  were  in  my  daughter's  room  awaiting  her?" 

"  No,  sar ;  I'se  been  here  all  de  tim  sleep,  behind  de  bed.  I  'ain't 
heard  a  word  you  say,  tho'.  When  you  called  me,  I  jist  slipped  out 
and  corned  up  de  hall  and  went  up-stairs  when  you  sent  me,  and 
when  Miss  'Stubble  come  down,  and  you  gib  her  a  chair,  and  you  busy 
bowing,  I  went  back  behind  de  bed  and  stay  till  now." 

"  Well,  Bertina,  remember  you  have  heard  nothing,  and  go  immed 
iately  to  my  daughter's  room." 

"Yes,  sar,  '  said  she,  and  rejoiced  to  get  off  without  a  reproof,  she 
hurried  away  ;  as  she  went  up  the  steps  she  said  half  aloud  :  "  Won 
der  what  'oman  he  detests  so  ?  Dat  must  be  Miss  'Stubble.  Won 
der  what  she  done,  dis  time.  Wish  I  had  been  at  de  head  ob  de  steps 
to  see.  Somethm',  I  bet."  She  went  into  Alice's  room,  and  found 


138  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

her  standing  by  the  table  reading  the  note  which  had  accompanied  the 
basket  of  fruit  and  flowers  that  Major  Pettybone  had  sent  that  morn 
ing,  and  which  Bertina  had  carried  to  her  room  when  she  found  her 
young  lady  missing." 

"  When  did  this  come  ?"  asked  Alice,  looking  at  her. 

"  Dis  morning,  jist  afore  all  de  fussin',"  said  Bertina.  "  I  fetched  it 
up  here,  and  Miss  'Stubble  'zamined  it  and  found  it  was  for  you,  and  she 
got  piping  mad,  and  went  in  her  room  and  slammed  de  door.  Dat's 
de  way  she  'spresses  her  feelings  when  she's  mad.  Col.  Heartland 
done  dat  way,  too,  to-night,  but  I  dunno  what  for.  Burleigh,  dat  is 
Mr.  Burleigh,  brought  dat  basket  and  note  here  and  gave  it  to  me.  I 
forgot  all  about  it  till  jist  dis  minit.  Dat  Miss  Rubbling,  what  you 
call  her,  is  so — 

"  That  will  do,"  said  Alice,  authoritatively. 

"  Didn't  go  to  make  you  mad,  honey, — 

"I  am  not  mad,  Bertie;  but  don't  talk  so  much,"  said  Alice,  soft 
ening. 

"  I  is  mighty  sorry,  child,  ye  feels  so  cross  like  to-night,  for  I  want 
ed  to  ax  you  some  questions,"  said  Bertie.  "  I  wanted  to  ax — " 

"  Not  to-night,  Bertie  ;  I  am  too  weary  ;  some  other  time.  Come 
now  and  assist  me  to  bed."  Bertina  undressed  her  and  made  her 
comfortable  for  the  night.  She  then  made  her  own  pallet,  put  out 
the  lights,  and  soon  all  was  still  in  the  house ;  all  dark  save  the  lonely 
light  burning  in  the  tower,  shedding  its  rays  over  the  grave  of  Col. 
Heartland's  wife. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  139 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


ALDRIDGE. 

"Our  earth,  as  it  rolls  through  the  region  of  space. 
Wears  always  two  faces,  the  dark   aud  the  sunny, 
Now  poor  human  life,  runs  the  same  sort  of  race, 
Being  sad  on  one  side,  on  the  other  side  funny." 

Upon  reaching  the  villa,  Major  Pettybone  found  Col.  Heartland  in 
the  hall,  and  entered  the  parlor  with  him.  Miss  Woodford,  Miss  Hub- 
blestubble,  Alice  and  Mr.  Alridge,  were  already  there,  and  merry  con 
verse  seemed  the  order  of  the  day.  They  paused  as  Major  Pettybone 
walked  forward  and  greeted  his  fair  hostess.  He  expressed  his  pleas 
ure  at  finding  her  so  well,  and  passed  over  to  Ella  Woodford  and  be 
gan  a  sprightly,  bantering  conversation.  All  the  while,  his  eyes  rested 
upon  Aldridge,  who  grew  uneasy,  as  he  vainly  endeavored  to  enter 
tain  Alice.  The  latter  observed  his  embarrassment,  but  knew  not  its 
cause.  Col.  Heartland,  seeing  that  Miss  Hubblestubble  was  about  to 
fall  to  his  lot,  arose  and  left  the  room.  That  lady  looked  daggers  at 
him.  Aldridge  no  longer  able  to  endure  the  scrutiny  of  Major  Petty- 
bone,  arose  and  said :  "  If  Miss  Heartland  will  be  so  kind,  I  would 
like  to  look  at  that  rose  and  those  beautiful  flowers,  I  noticed  as  I 
came  into  the  house." 

"  Certainly,"  said  Alice,  and  she  led  the  way.  They  found  them 
selves  in  the  garden,  near  the  spot  where,  she  had  pledged  herself  to 
be  the  wife  of  Major  Pettybone.  She  grew  sad  as  she  thought  over 
the  scene.  Aldridge,  a  keen  reader  of  human  nature,  saw  instantly 
this  place  was  associated  in  her  mind  with  something  of,  at  least,  a 
serious  nature. 

"Why,"  he  asked :  "that  shade  on  so  fair  a  brow,  in  a  scene  so 
lovely  as  this?  Pardon  me,  that  I  dared  ask." 


140  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  It  is  nothing,"  she  replied,  and  stooped  to  cull  a  lily,  as  well  as  to 
hide  her  confusion. 

"Perhaps  it  is  nothing,"  he  said,  "but  I  fancied  I  saw  a  slight 
change  of  countenance,  and  a  little,  very  little  tremor.  But  again  I 
beg  pardon.  I  may  seem  rude  to  manifest  so  much  interest  in  one 
with  whom  I  am  unfortunately  so  little  acquainted ;  but  I  have  known 
you  long,  much  longer  than  you  think.  Would  you  confide  in  me  so 
much  as  to  tell  me  your  thoughts  when  I  first  spoke  ?  I  know  that 

'Even  in  the  tranquillest  climes, 

Light  breezes  will  ruffle  the  flowers  sometimes.' 

"  But  you  seemed  so  very  serious." 

"  I  was  serious,"  replied  Alice;  "but  tell  me  what  you  mean  by 
saying  that  you  have  known  me  longer  than  I  think.  I  am  sure  I  do 
not  remember  having  seen  you  previous  to  All-Hallow-een." 

"  I  was  speaking  figuratively,  Miss  Heartland,"  he  said  ;  "  when  I 
made  use  of  that  expression  I  meant  that  as  an  ideal,"  he  continued, 
seeing  she  was  willing  to  listen.  "  I  have  known  you  always.  In  boy 
hood's  hours  and  manhood's  prime,  I  have  pictured  to  myself  the 
fairest  of  all  fair  creatures,  a  lovely  woman  ;  lovely  in  person,  pure  in 
heart,  and  angelic  in  all  her  attributes.  I've  wandered  far  and  wide 
and  trod  the  soil  of  almost  every  clime ;  and  once,  and  only  once  be 
fore,  have  I  met  one  '  so  perfect  and  so  peerless.'  Pardon  me  for 
referring  in  your  presence  to  that  part  of  my  life,  the  memory  of  which 
is  so  painful,  yet  so  pleasant.  The  bright  vision  faded.  I  was  left  alone 
to  grapple  with  stern  reality.  I  '  lived,  for  life  may  long  be  borne,  ere 
sorrow  break  its  chain.'  I  often  exclaimed  in  the  wild  delirium  of 
my  sorrows  :  '  Oh,  why  comes  not  death  to  those  who  mourn  ?'  Why, 
kind  Providence,  why  hast  Thou  taken  from  me  the  idol  of  my  heart  ? 
What  have  I  done  that  I  should  be  punished  to  such  an  extent  ?  In 
my  agony,  I  felt  I  could  curse  the  hand  that  held  the  chastening  rod. 
Had  it  not  been  for  '  the  fear  of  something  after  death,'  I  could  not 
have  tolerated  the  life  I  led.  I  left  home,  friends  and  kindred,  and 
began  a  wild,  weary  wandering  round  the  world.  Suddenly,  the  dark 
caverns  of  my  heart  have  again  been  illuminated.  I  am  bewildered  ; 
I  am  scarcely  answerable  for  what  I  say  or  do.  The  past  has  been; 
duplicated;  I  dare  not  trust  myself  again;  I  must,  and  will  leave, 
for— 

k  Who  would  seek  or  prize 
Delights  that  end  in  aching  ? 
Who  would  trust  to  ties 
That  every  hour  are  breaking  ?' 

"Oh,  Miss  Heartland,  in  this  dark  and  trying  hour,  will  you  not 
vouchsafe  one  kind  word  of  sympathy,  one  gentle  look  of  pity  on  one 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  141 

who  has  suffered  more  than  he  can  tell  you,  and  who  leaves  you  on 
the  morrow  forever?" 

Alice  looked  and  saw  the  tear  drops  that  had  fallen  on  the  lily  she» 
held  in  her  tapering  ringers. 

"  You  have  my  sincerest  sympathy,  Mr.  Aldridge,"  she  said,  "and 
if  my  poor  prayers  for  your  future  welfare  are  worth  aught  to  you, 
you  have  them  also." 

The  memory  of  her  engagement  to  Major  Pettybone  sent  an  inde 
finable  pang  to  her  heart,  and  feeling  that  she  had  already  allowed 
herself  to  listen  to  too  much,  she  said  :  "  Come,  Mr.  Aldridge,  let's 
join  our  friends  in  the  parlor." 

"  One  moment  more,"  he  said,  earnestly;  sadly. 

"  No,"  she  said  firmly,  and  led  the  way.  "But  I  hope  you  will  re 
consider,  and  conclude  to  remain  in  our  neighborhood  longer."  Think 
ing  perhaps  she  was  doing  wrong  to  encourage  him  to  remain  in 
temptation's  way,  she  added  :  '  You  must  some  day  come  again." 
Her  heart  fluttered  and  she  felt  that  she  would  not  willingly  see  him 

go- 

They  found  Major  Pettybone  and  Miss  Hubblestubble,  in  a  live 
ly  discussion  with  Ella  Woodford  in  regard  to  keeping  secrets. 

"  I  would  tell  mine  and  let  my  friends  have  the  benefit  thereof,  if  I 
had  any  to  tell,"  said  Major  Pettybone. 

"  So  would  I,"  said  Ella.  '•  I  believe,  like  Miss  Hubblestubble,  in 
keeping  them,  but  I  believe  in  keeping  them  going.  What  say  you, 
Alice?" 

"  I  think,"  said  Alice,  "  that  such  things  should  be  left  discretionary 
with  the  owner  of  the  secret." 

"  And  what  is  Miss  Hubblestubble's  opinion  ?"  asked  Mr.  Aldridge, 
bowing  gallantly  to  that  lady. 

"  It  is  my  opinion,"  said  Miss  Hubblestubble,  growing  taller  and 
taller  as  she  spoke,  "  It  is  my  opinion,  if  a  gentleman  addresses  a 
lady—" 

"  We  were  not  viewing  things  from  a  matrimonial  standpoint,  par 
ticularly,"  interrupted  Ella  Woodford,  mischievously,  '•'  but,  how 
ever — 

A  look  that  brooked  no  contradiction  from  Miss  Hubblestubble  cut 
her  remarks  short. 

"  It  is  my  opinion,"  continued  that  lady  again,  when  she  found 
she  had  the  floor,  "that  if  a  gentleman  addresses  a  lady,  ("or  -vice 
versa" — whispered  Ella  to  Major  Pettybone  and  Alice),  the  lady 
has  no  moral  right  to  tell  it,  unless  she  accepts  him.  If  she  dis 
cards  him,  it  is  his  secret,  and  his  only,  and  she  cannot  hon- 


142  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

orably  divulge  it.  If  she  accepts  him,  it  is  hers,  and  she  has  a  right 
to  tell  it,  unless  he  expresses  a  wish  that  she  should  not.  If  he  desires 
her  to  keep  it,  she  ought  by  all  means  to  do  so.  The  same  holds 
good  all  through  life.  She  ought  always  to  do  as  he  desires  her." 

"  I  agree,"  said  Aldridge,  "with  Miss  Hubblestubble."  And  not 
wishing  to  remain  in  the  presence  of  Major  Pettybone  longer  than  he 
could  gracefully  get  away,  he  continued  :  "  I  have  a  secret  I  would 
like  to  commit  to  your  keeping,  Miss  Augusta.  Suppose  we  prome 
nade.  Allow  me  to  carry  the  beautiful  blue  reticule  that  seems  to  be 
your  constant  companion." 

"  I  can  trace  a  matrimonial  resemblance  between  those  two,"  said 
Ella  Woodford,  loud  enough  for  them  to  hear,  as  they  left  the  room. 
Col.  Heartland  saw  them  go  out  into  the  garden,  and  with  a  sigh  of 
relief  he  returned  to  the  parlor,  thinking  he  would  like  Aldridge  as  a 
frequent  visitor,  if  he  would  only  devote  his  time  and  knightly  accom 
plishments  to  Miss  Hubblestubble's  entertainment. 

"  No,"  said  Miss  Hubblestubble,  "  I  cannot  part  with  my  little  blue 
velvet  treasure,  even  for  a  moment.  It  is,  as  you  say,  my  constant 
companion,  and  you  have  no  idea  the  comfort  it  is  to  me." 

"  It  is  beautiful,  I  know,  but  like  its  mistress,  it  keeps  secrets. 
Would  it  be  intrusion  to  ask  it's  contents  ?" 

"Certainly  not,"  said  she;  "it  only  contains  a  few  little  missives 
which  I  do  not  care  any  one  to  see,"  she  said  with  a  giggle  that 
would  have  done  credit  to  a  girl  of  sixteen. 

He  placed  his  hand  upon  his  heart,  struck  a  tragic  attitude,  and  in  a 
mournful  voice  said  :  "  Is  it  possible?" 

"'Is  what  possible?"  she  asked  anxiously. 

"  Come  with  me  to  the  lake  bank,"  he  said,  and  I  will  tell  you  all." 
She  took  his  offered  arm,  and  they  strolled  to  the  water's  edge.  He 
seated  her  upon  a  log  overhanging  the  edge,  and  took  his  place  beside 
her. 

"  I  was  going  to  say,  Miss  Hubblestubble,  is  it  possible  that  some 
one  else  already  claims  a  heart  I  had  resolved  to  make  it  the  business  of 
my  life  to  possess  ?  Has  Major  Pettybone,  has  Col.  Heartland,  been 
my  successful  rival  ?" 

"No,"  said  she;  "I  was  but  in  jest.  I  could  not  think  of  marry 
ing  a  widower,  so  I  bluffed  Col.  Heartland  from  the  very  first." 

"So  you  disposed  of  him?" 

"I  did." 

"  Thank  God  !  But  what  about  this  Major  Pettybone,  who  has  just 
about  as  much  right  to  the  title  of  Major  as  old  Heartland  has  to  that 
of  Colonel.  Here  in  California  they  brevet  every  man  General,  Colonel 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  143 

or  Major.  It  seems  rather  a  distinction  between  a  man  who  is 
wealthy,  and  a  poor  man,  than  anything  else.  Every  man  of  some 
property  has  some  title,  which  title  seems  to  be  graded  and  based 
upon  the  means  of  the  possessor,  rather  than  any  military  renown- 
When  I  first  came  to  San  Francisco,  they  (having  heard  I  counted 
my  dollars  by  millions,  which,  though  somewhat  exaggerated  was  never 
theless  true,)  dubbed  me  General.  I  put  a  stop  to  it  as  soon  as  possi 
ble,  for  anything  of  that  sort  is  despicable.  I  determined  there  should 
be  one  man  in  the  West  of  wealth  and  position,  who  was  a  'Mr.'  But 
you  did  not  tell  me  how  you  disposed  of  Major  Pettybone  ?  I  never 
saw  a  man  more  in  love  than  he  was  with  you,  on  All  Hallow-een." 

"  How  you  do  see  things,  Mr.  Aldridge  !  How  you  can  guess,  and 
guess  so  correctly !" 

"  I  am  sure  it  was  not  difficult  to  see,  and  no  guess  about  it.  It 
was  just  as  plain  as  day." 

"  Well,"  said  she,  "  I  saw  that  that  little  chit  had  her  heart  set  on 
him ;  and  as  I  cared  nothing  for  him,  I  kept  out  of  the  way  and  let 
her  entrap  him.  I  bluffed  and  bluffed  him,  till  he  saw  he  might  as 
well  give  it  up.  He  did  so,  and  is  now  proposing  to  marry  her." 

Aldridge  started,  but  recovering  himself,  said  : 

"  I  am  glad  he  is  out  of  my  way." 

"  Out  of  your  way?     What  do  you  mean  ?"  said  she. 

"  Oh,  nothing,"  he  replied,  looking  tenderly  into  her  eyes. 

"  Yes,  you  do  mean  something,"  said  she. 

"  No,  I  don't,"  replied  he,  taking  her  hand. 

"  Yes,  but  I  tell  you,  you  do,"  she  said,  giving  him  the  other  hand, 
and  looking  fondly  into  his  eyes.  "  Don't  be  afraid  to  tell  me." 

"No,  I  don't;  don't  be  displeased,"  said  he,  encircling  her  waist 
with  his  arm. 

"  I  won't,"  said  she  dropping  her  head  upon  his  shoulder,  and  nearly 
breaking  her  long  neck  to  reach  it. 

"  >'ow.  you  won't  be  displeased,"  said  he,  printing  a  kiss  upon  her 
lips. 

"  Yes,  I  am,"  said  she  ;  "don't  you  do  that  again  ;  if  you  do  that  I 
will  break  our  engagement." 

"  Not  for  worlds,"  he  said?  turning  his  head  and  withdrawing  his 
arm. 

She  was  silent  for  a  moment,  then  said  :  "  Darling  !" 

"  Precious  !"  he  returned. 

"  I  was  not  mad,  sure  enough,"  she  said ;  "  I  was  just  pretending. 
Do  it  again  ;  I  won't  get  mad  any  more.  Now,"  she  continued,  "  if 
you  have  anything  particular  to  say,  you  had  better  say  it  quickly,  for 


144  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

we  must  go  back  to  the  house  ;  we  shall  be  missed.     But  it  is  very 
sweet  to  stay  here." 

"  I  have  nothing  particular  to  say,"  said  he,  rising. 

"  Nothing  particular  to  say  ?  Oh,  yes ;  the  arrangements  for  the 
marriage." 

"  What  marriage  ?"  a  little  astonished. 

"  You  provoking  fellow  !  my  and  your  marriage." 

"This  is  not  the  time  and  place  to  make  such  arrangements,"  said 
he,  trying  to  pull  her  up  from  the  seat.  "  Let  us  go  ;  they  will 
miss  us." 

"  But,  darling,  this  is  the  very  time  and  place.  What  month  shall 
it  be  ?"  asked  she. 

"  How  will  February  do  ?"  he  asked. 

"  It  is  the  odd  month  of  the  year  ;  I  do  not  like  it." 

"  Well,  March,  then,  precious  !" 

"  Would  January  do  as  well,  darling?"  she  said  demurely. 

Aldridge  smiled,  and  said  it  would  do  as  well. 

"  Once  more,  and  we  will  go,"  she  said,  drawing  his  face  toward 
hers.  The  end  of  the  log  on  which  she  sat  tilted  from  the  extra 
weight,  and  precipitated  her  into  the  lake.  He  caught  by  the  over 
hanging  limb  of  a  tree,  and  saved  himself  the  plunge.  The  water  not 
being  very  deep,  she  arose,  and  quickly  waded  out. 

"  Oh,  my  black  silk  dress !  Oh,  my  shawl !  Oh,  I  am  ruined ! 
ruined !  ruined  1  My  head  is  bleeding,  and  there  is  a  great  gash  in 
my  forehead.  What  shall  I  do  !  What  shall  I  do  !" 

"  Come,"  said  Aldridge,  "  don't  take  on  so.  They  will  hear  you  at 
the  house.  Steal  in  the  back  way  and  change  your  dress." 

"  But  my  forehead  is  cut ! " 

"  Put  some  plaster  on  it  and  say  you  fell  against  the  stairs.  Let  me 
see  how  deep  it  is." 

"  No,  no  !"  said  she,  wrapping  her  wet  shawl  around  her  head,  as  she 
remembered  her  paint.  "  Where  is  my  blue  bag  ?" 

They  looked  in  the  water ;  it  was  floating  from  the  shore. 

"  Catch  it,  catch  it !"  she  cried,  and  he  reached  for  it  with  a  long  reed. 
The  little  idol  was  towed  ashore,  and  its  delighted  mistress  almost 
forgot  her  distress  in  getting  possession  of  the  lost  treasure.  She 
hung  it  dripping  upon  her  chilled  arm  and  hurried  to  the  house,  in 
the  back  way  up  to  her  room.  Aldridge  sauntered  awhile  in  the  gar 
den  and  then  went  back  to  the  parlor. 

"  What  is  that  infernal  light  always  burning  there  night  and  day  for, 
I  wonder  ?  "  he  asked  himself  as  he  passed  the  north  tower.  He  found 
Major  Pettybone  at  Alice's  side,  turning  the  leaves  of  music  as  her 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  14$ 

sweet,  bird-like  voice  sent  forth  the  closing  notes  of  a  Scotch  melody 
She  rose  and  left  the  piano.     Aldridge  watched  her,  thinking— 

*'  She  walks  in  beauty,  like  the  night 
Of  cloudless  climes  and  starry  skies  ; 
With  eyes  mellowed  to  that  tender  light 
Which  heaven  to  gaudy  day  denie-." 

"  If  I  could  ever  love  at  all,"  he  thought,  "  I  could  love  her  ;  but  I 
am  incapable  of  such  a  thing.  It  is  all  nonsense.  A  man  of  my  calibre 
must  look  to  interest  rather  than  to  any  sentimental  notions  which 
may  at  times  try  to  usurp  the  judgment  seat.  I  think  I  am  maturing 
my  plans  well  to  get  old  Heartland's  fortune.  I  have  ingratiated  my 
self  into  the  good  graces  of  the  old  governess.  Oh,  my  sensibilities  ; 
How  I  did  hate  to  kiss  her!  She  was  daubed  with  paint  and  per 
fumed  with  cologne  and  all  the  ottars  of  roses  I  ever  heard  ot.  I 
could  scarcely  keep  my  face  straight,"  he  mused,  as  he  turned  the 
leaves  of  a  beautiful  boDk  he  had  taken  from  the  table  beside  him. 
"  When  the  old  gal  went  head  foremost  into  the  lake  I  came  near  go 
ing  myself,  and  if  I  had  Miss  Ella  would  have  had  to  get  home  the 
best  way  she  could,  for  I  would  not  have  let  Miss  Heartland  see  me 
in  that  plight.  She  tried  to  keep  her  ugly  phiz  hid  from  me,  but  I 
saw  the  graceful  red  drops  falling  from  her  cheeks.  My  purpose  is 
accomplished,  and  I  must  keep  up  the  sham  until  I  make  matters  se 
cure.  I  can  find  out  everything  that  is  going  on  here  from  her.  She 
knows  all,  and  if  they  could  succeed  in  hiding  anything  from  her  I 
am  mistaken  in  her  character.  I  am  fortunate  to  find  such  a  medium. 
She  has  already  told  me  that  Pettybone  and  Miss  Heartland  are  en 
gaged.  I  tried  to  gather  as  much  from  Miss  Woodford,  but  she  evi 
dently  knows  nothing  of  it.  My  conduct  to  Miss  Hubblestubble  will 
also  throw  old  Heartland  off  his  guard.  She  will  be  certain  to  let 
them  know  of  what  she  supposes  is  our  engagement.  Pettybone,  of 
course,  is  in  the  confidence  of  Heartland,  and  I  can  then  visit  the 
house  without  exciting  the  suspicions  of  this  wary  man.  I  do  not 
like  his  watching  me  as  he  does,  and  if  it  were  not  that  I  had  other 
work  for  my  man  Grubbs,  I  should  rid  the  community  of  him.  But 
he  will  keep  quiet  after  he  finds  the  governess,  and  not  the  heiress,  is 
the  object  of  my  attention.  I  will  take  every  pains  that  he  shall  think 
such  is  the  case.  I  wonder  what  keeps  her  so  long?  I  wish  she  would 
come  and  let  them  all  see  our  preference  for  each  other.  The  silly 
old  creature!  I  wonder  how  she  could,  for  a  moment,  think  I  would 
believe  that  she  could  have  married  Heartland  or  Pettybone.  I  had  a 
purpose  to  accomplish  or  I  should  have  laughed  heartily.  She  is  old 
enough  to  know  better.  Common  sense  is  the  most  uncommon  thing 
of  which  I  know."  Thus  he  sat  and  mused  and  waited  for  the  ap 
pearance  of  Miss  Hubblestubble. 
10 


146  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


"  Joy  never  feasts  so  high. 

As  when  the  first  course  is  of  misery." 

Miss  Hubblestubble,  on  entering  her  chamber,  knew  not  what  to  do. 
She  was  indeed  in  a  quandary.  She  saw  that  her  dress  and  shawl 
were  too  wet  and  soiled,  ever  to  be  redeemed.  "  But  I  have  no  time 
to  grieve  ;  I  must  try  and  get  back  to  the  parlor,  as  soon  as  possible," 
she  said,  taking  the  only  dress  now  left  of  her  scanty  wardrobe  from 
its  hanging-place.  "  He  told  me  that  he  was  a  man  of  means,  and  I 
am  thankful  my  days  of  struggling  with  poverty  are  nearly  over. 
What  will  Col.  Heartland  think,  when  he  finds  I  am  to  be  the  wife  of 
a  younger  and  handsomer,  and  perhaps  a  wealthier,  man  than  either 
Major  Pettybone  or  himself  ?  I  want  to  see  their  surprise.  I  intend 
they  shall  know  it  this  very  day.  Besides,  I  will  want  to  send  for  my 
trousseau  when  Alice  sends  for  hers.  I  intend  to  have  quite  a  hand 
some  one,  even  if  I  have  to  go  a  little  in  debt  for  it.  Col.  Heartland 
owes  me  sufficient  to  prevent  such  a  necessity,  I  reckon,  and  I  will 
soon  be  abundantly  able  to  pay  for  anything  my  heart  may  desire.  1 
wish  we  could  have  a  double  wedding.  It  would  show  to  the  world 
that  intellect  could  stand,  side  by  side,  with  wealth  ;  that  a  governess 
could  win  a  husband,  of  whom  an  heiress  would  be  proud.  There 
are  some  vessels  expected  now  from  the  Indies,  laden  with  all  the 
beautiful  fabrics  of  which  a  New  York  belle  would  make  her  trous 
seau.  I  intend  to  go  myself  to  San  Francisco  and  make  my  own  pur 
chases  as  soon  as  I  learn  they  are  in  port ;  but  here  I  am  lost  in  rev 
erie,  while  they  are  wondering  down-stairs  what  has  become  of  me. 
I  was  careful  not  to  let  Mr.  Aldridge  see  my  face,  I  muffled  it  in  the 
shawl  and  pretended  the  rouge  was  blood  from  the  gash  on  my  fore 
head.  I  find  to  my  delight,  that  the  water  did  not  penetrate  my  little 
blue  reticule,  and  the  contents  are  all  safe.  I  will  hang  it  here  to  dry 
and,  for  once,  leave  it  in  my  room  ;  but  of  course  I  shall  lock  the  door 


Tahoe:  or  Lift  in   California.  147 

and  carry  the  key  in  my  pocket,  lest  that  impertinent,  prying  Bertina 
come  here  while  I  am  below  stairs.  I  saw  her  looking  curiously  at 
me  when  I  came  in ;  so  I  stopped,  and  told  her  that  I  got  into  the 
little  boat  on  the  lake  for  a  ride,  and  accidentally  upset  it.  I  had  sat 
isfied  her,  when  I  espied  Griffin  winking  and  blinking  at  her,  and 
showing  every  tooth  in  his  head.  I  hate  negroes,  and  if  my  friends 
in  the  North  had  had  the  experience  with  them  that  I  have,  they  would 
be  willing  for  the  horrid  creatures  to  be  slaves  all  over  the  world.  Now 
Alice  seems  to  think  more  of  that  negress  than  any  one  would  think 
possible,  and  Col.  Heartland  has  that  ugly,  black  negro  valet  with 
him  on  all  occasions ;  but  I  never  wish  to  even  see  them,  if  I  can  help 
it.  I  hope  Mr.  Aldridge  is  not  partial  to  negroes,  that  he  will  not  have 
them  about  him;  however,  I  will  control  that,  after  we  are  married. 
But  just  to  think  I  have  been  here  more  than  an  hour !"  Putting  her 
chamber  key  in  her  pocket,  she  descended  and  joined  the  company. 
Dinner  being  announced,  Col.  Heartland  led  the  way,  with  Ella  Wood- 
ford,  and  seated  her,  with  a  chivalrous  air,  at  his  right  hand.  Alice 
took  her  seat  opposite  to  her  father,  and  Major  Pettybone  took  his 
seat  next  her  on  the  left.  Mr.  Aldridge  led  in  Miss  Hubblestubble. 
and  with  much  gallantry  seated  himself  beside  her.  A  moment  al 
was  silent,  and  Col.  Heartland  casting  his  eyes  downward,  said 
"  Father,  for  thy  tender  mercies,  we  bless  thy  holy  name." 

The  dish  covers  were  removed,  and  Griffin  flew  hither  and  thither 
helping  them  all  to  the  tempting  dinner  before  them.  Soup  of  the 
highly  flavored  oysters  that  are  found  only  where  the  golden  skies 
seem  to  touch  the  western  waters  ;  fish,  the  mountain  trout,  from  the 
cool,  limpid  lake  and  streams  on  Col.  Heartland's  estate ;  all  the  veg 
etables  of  temperate  and  torrid  zones;  meats  to  satisfy  the  taste 
of  Epicurus  ;  lamb,  beef  and  venison  from  the  wild  mountain  heights  ; 
quails  and  prairie  chickens,  from  the  Mesa  ;  fruits  worthy  to  lay  before 
Pomona  ;  fruits  of  which  California  may  truly  be' proud,  for  in  these 
she  can  justly  claim  to  be  queen  of  the  world.  The  stiawberries,  large 
and  luscious,  covered  with  pearly  sugar,  bathed  their  crimson  sides  in 
their  bath  of  cream;  the  raspberries,  resting  in  delicious  beauty 
against  the  crystal  bowls  that  held  them,  and  coloring  with  their  blood 
the  golden  spoons;  the  oranges  and  bananas;  apples,  pears  and 
peaches,  filled  the  fruit-stands  with  crimson  and  gold ;  while  around 
them  hung  clusters  of  grapes,  such  as  grow  only  in  this  land  of  the 
west.  Not  France  or  Italy  can  rival  her,  in  the  quality  or  size  of  her 
grapes.  As  the  sparkling  wines  fell  gurgling  into  the  glasses,  all  felt 
that  even  Bordeaux  never  sent  forth  such.  The  snowy  damask  and 
Sevres  China,  bordered  with  green  and  gold ;  the  shining  silver  and 


14&  Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California. 

glistening  glassware,  combined  with 'the  fruits  and  flowers,  lent  to  the 
table  the  charm  of  a  fairy  banquet.  All  had  joined  Col.  Heartland, 
save  one,  in  his  thanks  for  the  luxuries  before  them.  That  one  was 
Aldridge.  He  thought  it  weak  in  Col.  Heartland  to  indulge  in  so  silly 
a  belief.  The  idea  of  a  God,  to  him,  was  simply  ridiculous  and  absurd, 
"  This  is  a  world  of  chance,  and  these  things  all  come  by  accident," 
said  he,  in  his  heart.  "  We  are  the  architects  of  our  own  fortune^ 
irrespective  of  Deity.  Let  a  man  depend  upon  praying  to  take  him 
through  this  world,  and  he  will  soon  see  that  it  is  himself,  and  not  an 
imaginary  God,  that  must  provide.  As  to  myself,  I  am  glad  I  have 
none  of  ;this  superstition  about  me.  I  do  not  doubt  but  that  such 
ideas  have  kept  many  a  capable  man  from  self-exertion  and  self-reli 
ance.  I  intend  to  look  out  for  myself  first,  and  God  afterwards,  at 
any  rate.  Why,  I  would  just  as  soon  clasp  an  Agnus  Dei  and  jump 
into  the  fire  and  expect  not  to  be  burned,  as  I  would  expect  to  be  fed 
and  clothed,  if  I  gave  up  all  business  and  went  about  begging  a  God 
who  does  not,  and  never  did,  exist,  to  take  care  of  me  on  account  of 
my  lamentations.  No,  I'll  take  care  of  myself,  and  be  proprietor  here, 
without  any  interference  of  a  higher  power,  if  I  am  fortunate  enough 
to  carry  out  my  plans." 

"Miss  Hubblestubble,"  he  said,  beginning  the  conversation,  "do 
you  have  any  such  bread  as  this  in  Vermont  ?" 

"  No,  I  am  compelled  to  acknowledge,  we  do  not,"  said  she.  "  Even 
our  best  wheat  will  in  no  wise  compare  with  California  wheat ;  of 
course  our  bread  cannot  equal  this." 

"  Thank  you,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  "  for  your  compliment  to  Cali 
fornia.  We  could  scarcely  have  expected  a  New  Englander  to  have 
acknowledged  so  much." 

"  Oh,  I  am  going  to  be  a  Californian,  hereafter,"  said  she,  looking 
tenderly  askant  at  Aldridge. 

"  Oh,  Miss  Hubblestubble  !"  said  Alice,  kindly  ;  "  what  is  the  matter 
with  your  forehead  ?"  for  the  first  time  noticing  that  lady's  face. 

"Oh,  it  is  nothing, "  she  replied  ;  "  a  thorn  scratched  me,  as  I  was 
gathering  some  roses  for  my  friend,  Mr,  Aldridge,  and  I  had  to  cover 
it  with  a  piece  of  plaster." 

"  Liar,"  thought  Aldridge;  "believes  in  a  God,  and  lies  worse  than 
I  do." 

'•  Miss  Hubblestubble  is  more  thoughtful  than  any  of  us ;  she 
changed  her  dress  for  a  lighter  one,  while  we  are  sweltering  in  our 
thick  ones,"  said  Ella  Woodford,  mischievously. 

Miss  Hubblestubble  looked  at  her  in  proud  disdain.  "  Yes,"  she 
thought,  "  she  knows  my  dress  was  wet,  for  I  saw  Bertina  follow  her, 
when  she  went  to  a  room  to  arrange  her  hair  for  dinner." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  149 

The  balance  of  the  company,  except  Aldridge,  wondered  at  Ella's 
remark,  for  all  felt  that  it  was  cool,  and  by  no  means  sweltering. 
Then  they  thought  perhaps  Ella  was  endeavoring  to  make  Miss  Hub- 
blestubble  feel  all  right  in  her  extremely  light  dress  for  the  season. 
The  conversation  continued  until  dinner  was  concluded,  and  they  arose 
and  went  back  to  the  parlor.  Aldridge  now  tried  to  get  to  see  Alice 
alone,  again,  but  all  in  vain  ;  Miss  Hubblestubble  hung  upon  his  arm, 
looked  into  his  eyes,  or  followed  him  everywhere  he  went ;  he  could 
not  rid  himself  of  her. 

Alice  seemed  not  to  notice  it.  Ella  Woodford's  amused  expression 
told  that  she  saw  it  all.  Major  Pettybone  thought  him  a  scamp  to 
trifle  with  a  woman's  affections,  for  he  did  not  doubt  but  that  he  was 
trifling.  Col.  Heartland  looked  more  kindly  on  him,  for  he  could  not 
think  but  that  Aldridge  admired  Miss  Hubblestubble,  and  in  the 
kindness  of  his  heart  he  would  Iik6  to  see  her  married  ere  his  daughter 
should  be  taken  from  him,  which  event  would  leave  her  homeless. 
Aldridge  saw  the  effect  on  Col.  Heartland,  and  felt  that  his  point  was 
gained.  He  asked  Ella  Woodford  if  it  was  not  time  to  go  in  order  to 
reach  home  before  sunset. 

"  Everything  is  so  pleasant  here  I  had  almost  forgotten  I  had  to  go 
home,"  she  said  rising. 

"Stay  all  night  with  me,  Ella,"  said  Alice. 

"  I  cannot  to-night,  but  I  will  soon,"  said  Ella,  leaving  the  room  to 
equip  herself  for  her  ride.  Alice  started  to  follow  her,  but  Aldridge 
overtook  her  in  the  hall. 

"  One  moment,  I  beg,"  said  he  ;  "  may  I  come  again  ?  I  feel  I  can 
not  leave  without  seeing  you  just  once  more." 

"  We  will  be  pleased  to  see  you,  Mr.  Aldridge,"  said  Alice  with  a 
deep  blush,  and  went  on  after -her  friend. 

He  looked  up,  Miss  Hubblestubble  was  coming  towards  him.  She 
looked  cautiously  around,  but  seeing  no  one,  she  placed  her  hand  in 
his  and  said  : 

"Come,  darling,  soon.     I  have  so  many  things  to  tell  you." 

"  I  will,  precious,"  he  replied,  nearly  crushing  her  fingers  by  the 
pressure  of  his  hands.  She  withdrew  her  hand,  and  he  thought. 
"  that  will  at  least  make  her  more  careful  about  handing  her  paw  to 
me." 

"  Come  soon,"  she  continued  ;  "  you  have  never  asked  me  to  play  or 
sing  for  you  yet.  In  a  little  while,  when  I  am  all  yours,  you  under 
stand,  I  will  sing  and  play  for  my  birdie  all  the  time." 

"  I  am  glad,"  thought  he,  "that  I  am  not  going  to  be  her  birdie." 
Then  aloud  he  said,  "  I  will  be  with  you  again  shortly." 


150  Tahoe:  or  Lije  in  California. 

Ella  Woodford  being  ready,  Aldridge  began  to  look  around  for  an 
excuse  to  remain  longer.  He  did  not  wish  to  leave  Major  Pettybone 
there.  The  M  'jor  saw  the  bent  of  his  thoughts,  and  quietly  seated 
himself. 

"  Miss  Ella,  favor  us  with  a  song  before  you  go,"  said  Aldridge, 
leading  her  to  the  piano. 

"  Oh,  I  have  on  my  riding  dress,"  said  Ella. 

"And  looking  charming  in  it,"  said  Aldridge. 

"You  are  a  flatterer,  Mr.  Aldridge,"  said  she. 

"  I  have  these  witnesses,"  said  he,  looking  around. 

"  He  has,  he  has,"  they  all  said,  simultaneously. 

"  I  told  you  so,"  he  said.     "  Now  favor  us  with  a  song." 

She  sang  it,  and  then  said  :  "  We  really  must  go."  She  bade  them 
all  good-bye.  Aldridge  saw  it  was  useless  to  try  to  carry  Major 
Pettybone  off,  and  could  do  nothing  but  follow  Ella. 

He  pressed  Alice's  hand  gently,  nearly  broke  all  the  bones  in  Miss 
Hubblestubble's,  and  replied  to  Col.  Heartland's  invitation  to  come 
often,  with  a  polite  "thank  you,  thank  you,"  and  then,  in  company 
with  Ella,  left  the  villa.  For  some  time  he  rode  in  silence. 

"  I  wish  I  could  get  Pettybone  away  from  there ;  he  will  stay  to 
tea  if  he  has  half  a  chance.  Ah,  I  have  it,"  he  thought,  as  a  miner, 
with  his  pick  and  pan  on  his  shoulder,  came  walking  down  the  road. 

"  Miss  Ella,  please  ride  just  ahead,  I  will  overtake  you ;  I  wish  to 
speak  to  that  man." 

Ella  loped  forward,  and  Aldridge  said  in  a  low  tone :  "  I  am  in  a 
most  terrible  hurry ;  would  you  carry  a  message  to  yonder  house  for 
me?  It  is  just  on  your  way." 

"  Certainly,"  replied  the  man  ;  "  I  would  do  anything  to  accommo 
date  a  gentleman  :  what  is  it  ?" 

"  Just  ask  if  Major  Pettybone  is  there,  and  if  so,  tell  him  a  gentle 
man  wishes  to  see  him  at  home  immediately  on  most  important  busi 
ness.  You  can  remember  the  name?" 

"  Oh,  yes.  I  have  heard  it  often.  He  is  the  gentleman  they  say  is 
to  marry  our  good  Col.  Heartland's  daughter." 

"  The  same.  Deliver  the  message.  I  cannot  wait  for  him  long." 
And  he  galloped  off. 

"  Who  was  that  at  the  door,  Griffin,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  meeting 
the  servant  in  the  hall  a  short  while  after  the  departure  of  his  guests. 

"  It  was  a  man,"  said  Griffin,  "  who  said  that  somebody  at  Petty- 
bone  Hall  had  sent  him  here  for  Major  Pettybone,  right  quick,  on  im 
portant  business." 

"  I'll  deliver  the  message,  Griffin,  said  Col.  Heartland,  going  to  the 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  1 5  i 

parlor,  where  he  found  Major  Pettybone  on  the  sofa  at  his  daughter's 
side.  Major  Pettybone  felt  that  he  ought  to  go,  but  he  lingered  a  few 
moments,  then  bade  Alice  a  gentle  good  evening,  said  to  Col.  Heart 
land,  "  I  will  come  again  to-morrow,"  and  rode  rapidly  home.  He 
found  no  one  there ;  no  one  had  been  there,  and  he  knew  he  was  a 
victim  of  Aldridge's  strategy,  and  was  more  convinced  than  ever  that 
the  heiress  ahd  not  the  governess  was  what  attracted  him  to  Lake 
Tahoe.  "  But  she  will  be  true  to  me/'  he  said,  "  in  spite  of  his  hand 
some  face  and  courtly  manners.  I  am  going  to  find  out  about  this 
man,  though  I  have  hardly  time  now.  My  preparations  for  my  marriage 
must  go  rapidly  forward.  She  has  appointed  the  first  of  next  month. 
Happy,  happy  man  that  I  am  !" 


I52  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California, 


CHAPTER   XXVII. 


DREAMS  AND  REALITIES. 

"  Next  advices  no  doubt  further  facts  will  afford, 
In  the  meantime,  the  danger  most  imminent  grows." 

Early  the  next  morning  Major  Pettybone  wrote  the  following  letter 
to  Col.  Heartland,  and  sent  it  to  him  by  Burleigh : 

"  I  was  hoaxed  last  evening,  my  friend  ;  found  no  one  awaiting  me 
at  the  Hall,  as  the  messenger  stated.  I  intended  asking  you  to  go  to 
San  Francisco  with  me  to-morrow,  but  was  inveigled  away  before  I 
had  a  chance  to  do  so.  I  will  be  over  this  afternoon,  and  we  will  talk 
the  matter  over.  Please  hand  the  enclosed  note  to  Miss  Alice. 

Yours  truly,  HENRY  PETTYBONE." 

"  Major  ,1  wants  to  see  you  to-day,"  said  Burleigh. 

"  Well,"  returned  he,  "  take  this  note  and  bouquet  to  Col.  Heart 
land's  and  return,  and  I  am  at  your  service.  Is  it  money  that  you 
want  ?"  "  No,  sir,  it  ain't  money,"  said  his  honest  valet,  with  his  eyes 
cast  down.  "  It  is  a  little  talk  about  something  else,  I  wish  to  have." 
He  took  the  bouquet  and  note,  and  left  for  Col.  Heartland's,  musing 
as  he  went :  "  This  is  a  nice  bouquet ;  I  will  look  at  it  good  and  try  to 
make  one  like  it  this  evening.  I  am  going  over  in  the  mountains  to 
night,  to  old  miner  Parker's  shanty,  and  just  take  some  flowers  and 
fruits  to  Miss  Cora.  That  is  the  way  Major  is  courting  Miss  Heart 
land,  and  it  seems  to  please  the  lady.  I  got  up  courage  last  visit  to 
tell  her  I  wished  a  gal  like  her  lived  at  Pettybone  Hall.  She  said  she 
thought  it  was  a  mighty  nice  place,  and  said  her  mother  said,  she 
wished  she  could  rnarry  some  good,  clever  fellow,  who  would  take 
good  care  of  her.  I  will  ask  Major  if  I  may  fetch  her  here,  and  if  he 
be  willing  she  will  come  without  much  further  notice.  She  won't  have 
much  preparation  to  make  jist  to  come  to  Pettybone  Hall,  'tis  so  close 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  153 

to  hum.  But  I  must  see  Major  'bout  it,  afore  I  say  anything  to  her. 
He  has  been  too  good  to  me,  for  me  to  marry  against  his  will,  tho'  I 
don't  see  how  he  can  object  no  way,  being  as  he  wants  to  follow  suit 
himself.  Miss  Cora  is  just  as  purty,  to  be  as  what  she  is,  as  Miss 
Alice  is,  as  what  she  is.  I'll  tell  Major  'bout  it,  tho'.  I  'spect  he  will 
be  glad  to  have  somebody  there,  to  wait  on  Miss  Alice.  She  is  bound 
to  have  a  maid,  and  them  two  colored  persons  is  indispensable  to  the 
Colonel,  so  I  reckon  it  will  all  turn  out  for  the  best.  There  can  be  no 
doubt  'bout  his  getting  Miss  Alice.  She  be  a  rich  young  lady,  and  he 
be  a  rich,  nice  gentleman.  In  some  way.  I  be  a  poor  man,  and  Cora 
be  a  poor  gal,  I  see  a  heap  of  happiness  ahead  of  me.  But,  here  I  is," 
and  he  alighted  and  delivered  his  flowers  and  note. 

In  a  few  minutes  a  delicate  pink  note  was  handed  him,  and  he  left 
for  home.  He  met  Major  Pettybone  on  the  piazza,  and  delivered  the 
note.  It  was  addressed: 

"Major  Henry  Pettybone,  Pettybone  Hall,"  and  ran  thus: 

"  Allow  me  to  thank  you  for  the  flowers,  and  the  kind  thought  that 
prompted  the  gift.  My  father  bids  me  say,  he  has  business  of  impor 
tance  in  San  Francisco,  and  will  accompany  you  thither  with  pleas 
ure.  He  also  says :  Can  you  not  take  tea  with  us  this  evening  ? 

With  esteem,  ALICE." 

"  A  cold  note  in  reply  to  my  fervent,  earnest  one."  thought  Henry 
Pettybone,  as  folding  it,  he  told  Burleigh  to  come  to  his  library.  "  Yes, 
sir,"  said  that  worthy,  as  hat  in  hand  he  followed  him.  He  seated 
himself  as  his  valet  took  a  stand  in  front  of  him. 

"  What  is  this  matter  of  importance,  you  wish  to  consult  me  about?" 
he  asked,  observing  his  servant's  trepidation. 

"It  is — it  is — "  stammered  Burleigh,  "that  as  you  be  going  to 
marry — I — I — I — ." 

"  Well,  out  with  it  man  ;  there  is  no  one  here  to  hear  you,"  he  con 
tinued,  as  the  valet's  eyes  wandered  round  and  round  the  room.  "There 
is  not  even  the  ghost  of  a  Hubblestubble  to  listen." 

"  I  don't  believe  in  ghosts,  sir,"  said  Burleigh,  much  relieved.  "But 
Miss  Hubblestubble  asked  me  questions  enough  'bout  you,  while  Miss 
Alice  went  to  write  that  note.  She — 

"  Well,  never  mind  what  she  said ;  tell  me  what  it  is  you  want  to 
say,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  impatiently. 

"  Well,"  replied  the  abashed  valet,  "  I  was  going  to  ask  you  if  you 
would  like  to  have  somebody  to  wait  on  Miss  Alice,  when  you  fetch 
her  here  ?" 

"  What  makes  you  think  I  am  going  to  bring  her  here  ?"  asked  his 
master. 

"  Everybody  says  so.  It  is  all  the  talk  at  the  mines,  and  all  over 
the  mining  villages,"  replied  Burleigh. 


154  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"How  do  you  know  this ;  have  you  been  there  ?" 

"  No,"  said  he  blushingly,  "  but  Cora  told  me." 

"  Who  is  Cora  ?"  asked  the  Major. 

"  She  is  old  miner  Parker's  pretty  daughter,  and  it  is  her  I  want  you 
to  have  for  your  wife's  maid,"  said  he. 

"Oh,  I  understand,  you  want  to  marry  this  girl." 

"  You  are  right  about  that,  Major,"  said  Burleigh  with  a  smile. 

"  Well,  I  don't  object  at  all,  and  expect  it  would  be  a  right  good 
arrangement ;  but  Burleigh,  I  never  thought  to  see  you  in  love.  When 
do  you  wish  to  consummate  this  engagement?" 

"  It  ain't  no  engagement  yet,  sir." 

"  What,  have  you  not  asked  the  girl  ?  How  do  you  know  you  will 
be  accepted  ?" 

"  I  know  it  mighty  well,  sir,"  said  Burleigh  with  a  grin.  "  I  can  tell 
from  signs,  and  bows,  and  such  like." 

"  You  can  do  more  than  I  can  then.  All  signs  fail  when  it  comes 
to  women.  I  have  been  with  them  all  my  life,  and  I  never  yet  have 
seen  one  that  I  could  tell  anything  about,  either  from  words  or  action  ; 
so  you  had  better  beware,"  he  said,  bowing  Burleigh  out. 

"  Better  beware  himself,"  thought  Burleigh,  as  he  left.  "  I  didn't 
tell  him  I  met  that  fine-looking  'Frisco  man,  all  dressed  up,  going  to 
Sierran  Villa." 

Major  Pettybone  re-read  the  note  from  Alice.  "  It  was  delicacy/' 
he  said,  "  that  prevented  her  from  expressing  herself  more  fully,"  as 
he  looked  upon  the  beautiful  chirography.  "  I  must  write  my  letters 
now,  for  this  afternoon  I  will  go  over  to  Heartland's."  He  drew  his 
chair  to  his  desk,  and  wrote  until  dinner.  After  dinner  he  called  for 
his  horse,  and  started  for  the  villa.  Just  over  the  hill  he  encountered 
Aldridge. 

"'Good  evening,  Major,"  said  the  latter. 

"Good  evening,  sir,"  said  Major  Pettybone  haughtily.  "I  am 
obliged  to  you  for  your  message  yesterday,  but  let  me  warn  you  never 
to  take  a  similar  liberty  with  me  again." 

"  I  sent  you  no  message,  sir,"  said  Aldridge,  at  the  same  time  riding 
by  him. 

"  Stop,  fellow,  you  are  a  liar,"  said  the  Major,  cutting  at  him  with 
his  whip.  Aldridge  dashed  his  spurs  into  his  horse's  sides,  and  gal 
loped  away. 

Arrived  at  the  villa,  Col.  Heartland  came  to  meet  him.  "  I  met 
Aldridge  down  here  in  the  road." 

"  Yes,  he  has  just  left  us,"  said  Col.  Heartland.  "  He  seems  wild 
about  Miss  Hubblestubble,  and  I  have  never  seen  a  woman  so  madly 
in  love  with  a  man." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  155 

"  She  had  better  look  to  her  heart,  then.  He  is  a  most  unmitigated 
liar.  I  attacked  him  about  sending  me  the  sham  message,  yesterday  ; 
he  denied  it.  I  tried  to  catch  him  and  horsewhip  him,  but  he  was  too 
quick  for  me.  If  I  can  find  out  anything  about  him  in  San  Francisco, 
I  shall  inform  the  Woodfords  what  a  guest  they  have  ;  and  if  I  were 
you,  Colonel,  I  would  forbid  him  my  house." 

"  May  you  not  have  been  mistaken,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "  about 
the  message?  Perhaps  he  did  not  send  it." 

"  Yes,  there  is  no  doubt  about  it.  I  saw,  as  soon  as  I  accused  him, 
he  was  guilty.  His  mendacity  is  inexcusable  ;  but  shall  we  go  in  the 
morning  ?" 

"  Yes,"  replied  his  friend,  "  at  early  dawn." 

They  were  occupied  until  supper,  after  which  the  ladies  joined  them 
in  the  parlor.  Miss  Hubblestubble  soon  grew  weary.  She  had  heard 
many  sweet  things  that  day,  and  she  wished  to  be  alone  with  her 
thoughts.  She  pleaded  a  headache,  and  retired  early,  thinking  of 
Aldridge,  and  herself  as  his  future  wife ;  of  their  happy  home  and 
love-lit  hours.  "  Oh,"  said  she,  "  I  never  loved  before ;"  and  she 
knelt  and  thanked  her  Heavenly  Father  for  the  lot  that  was  soon  to  be 
hers.  She  laid  her  head  upon  her  downy  pillow,  and  sleep,  sweet 
sleep!  "sleep  that  knits  up  the  ravelled  sleeve  of  care, "came  and  trans 
ported  her  to  the  land  of  dreams.  She  was  the  mistress  of  a  happy 
home  ;  she  walked  amid  flowers,  with  Aldridge  at  her  side ;  he  talked 
of  love,  and  her  heart  beat  fast.  Again,  she  saw  him  at  Washington, 
a  nation's  pride,  as  United  States  Senator  from  California ;  then  the 
broad  land  rang  with  wild  hurrahs,  and  he  was  President,  and  she  the 
courted  queen  of  a  Republican  court.  Oh,  happy,  happy  dream  !  Sad, 
sad  realities ! 

In  the  parlor  below,  Alice  and  Major  Pettybone,  uninterrupted, 
made  arrangements  for  their  marriage.  He  was  all  enthusiasm,  while 
she  timidly  consented  to  all  he  said.  There  was  no  joy  in  her  heart 
and  she  manifested  none.  Too  blindly  in  love  to  see  it,  Major  Petty- 
bone  attributed  to  diffidence  that  which  was  the  result  of  a  want  of 
proper  feeling.  "She  will  be  more  demonstrative,"  said  he,  "when  I 
prove  by  devotion  that  I  am  worthy  of  such  love." 

"  One  more  song,"  he  said,  and,  after  she  finished,  he  took  her  hand 
gently,  and  holding  it  in  his.  attempted  to  place  a  costly  ring  upon  her 
finger.  She  bent  the  finger,  and  drawing  her  hand  almost  rudely  from 
him,  said :  "  I  do  not  wish  that  ring."  She  thought,  then  of  her 
father,  and,  softening,  said  :  "  Give  it  to  me  ;  I  will  put  it  on  myself." 

She  took  it,  and  he  bade  her  good-night.  He  encountered  Col. 
Heartland  in  the  hall  and  telling  him  to  call  by  for  him,  he  passed  out 


156  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

and  rode  briskly  home,  He  met  Burleigh  on  the  steps,  and  asked  him 
gaily  about  his  far  dulcinea. 

"  I  told  you  so,"  said  he  ;  "  she  is  willing,  the  old  man  is  willing, 
and  the  old  lady  is  joyful." 

"  I  congratulate  you,  my  lad,"  said  the  Major ;  and  the  two  happy 
ones,  master  and  servant,  retired  for  the  night,  with  kind  feelings  for 
the  whole  world,  and  bright  prospects  for  the  future. 

After  Major  Pettybone  left,  Col.  Heartland  joined  his  daughter  in 
the  parlor.  He  found  Alice  seated  on  the  sofa,  with  a  costly  ring  in 
her  hand,  in  a  deep  reverie. 

"  Can  I  come  in,  my  child  ?" 

"Certainly,"  said  Alice ;  ''my  father  is  always  welcome,"  and  she 
made  room  for  him  at  her  side. 

"Let  me  see  that,"  he  said,  taking  the  ring.    "It  is,  indeed,  beautiful." 

"  It  is  his  gift,"  said  Alice,  tremulously. 

"  When  are  you  to  be  married,  my  daughter  ?" 

"  Thursday  two  weeks,"  said  she,  sadly. 

Seeing  he  had  troubled  her,  he  said  :  "  I  am  going  to  San  Francisco 
to-morrow,  my. child,  and  I  will  get  anything  you  wish." 

"  Use  your  own  judgment,  in  the  selection  of  things,  father,"  she 
said,  "  and  it  will  please  me  best." 

"  My  child,"  said  he,  "  I  am  going  to  retire,  now,  as  I  am  to  start 
quite  early.  I«will  go  by  for  Major  Pettybone,  and  we  will  go  all  the 
way  in  the  carriage.  You  will  be  up  to  see  me  off  ?" 

"  Yes,  father.  Now  tell  me  who  those  friends  are,  at  San  Diego,  to 
whom  you  wish  me  to  write.  I  can  do  it  to-night ;  for  I  am  not  at 
all  sleepy,  and  1  will  do  it  right  here." 

"  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kirkland  ;  you  remember  them.  When  they  lived 
in  San  Francisco,  a  few  years  since,  they  showed  me  every  kind  atten 
tion  in  their  power.  I  missed  them  greatly,  and  if  it  had  not  been 
that  fond  memories  clung  around  this  place,  I,  too,  would  have  gone  to 
San  Diego.  This  is  a  glorious  country,  but  that  far  exceeds  it.  There 
the  temperature  is  even,  the  year  round ;  storms  and  rain  seldom 
come.  It  is  bliss  to  breathe  the  air.  Consumption,  that  blighting 
disease  of  the  East,  is  unknown ;  it  never  originates,  but  cases  that 
have  gone  there,  apparently  in  a  dying  condition,  have  been  rapidly 
cured.  The  >vild  flowers  bloom  unceasingly  ;  and  there  is  no  season 
of  the  year  that  a  person  may  not  dwell  in  the  open  air.  There  is  no 
other  part  of  the  great  West  that  has  the  natural  advantages  of  San 
Diego  county,  California.  Immigration  has  already  begun  to  pour  in? 
and  with  the  prospect  of  railroads  it  takes  no  astrologist  to  predict  its 
brilliant  future.  Yes,  write  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frank  Kirkland,  and 
invite  them  to  your  marriage."  He  kissed  her  and  left  the  room. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  157 

She  drew  her  chair  to  a  table,  and  placing  her  little  desk  upon  it, 
began  her  letter.  She  wrote  one  ;  it  did  not  suit.  She  took  another 
sheet  of  paper,  and  began  again,  and  again  she  failed.  She  tried 
again.  "  This  will  do,"  she  thought,  as  she  sealed  and  addressed  it. 
"  Yes,  I  have  invited  them  to  my  wedding— my  wedding !"  she  said 
aloud,  A  footstep— she  looked  up,  and  Aldridge  was  before  her. 

"  Miss  Heartland/'  he  said,  "  such  a  marriage  as  that  would  be  but 
blasphemy." 

"Why?''  asked  Alice,  rising  indignantly  to  her  feet.  "Why  are 
you  here  at  this  unseasonable  hour  ?" 

"  Pardon  me,  fair  lady ;  I  could  not  keep  away.  Forgive  a  crime 
for  which  you  are  yourself  answerable." 

"I  am  in  no  way  responsible  for  such  conduct,"  said  she,  starting 
towards  the  door.  "  I  will  call  my  father.  I  cannot  and  will  not 
entertain  visitors  alone,  and  at  this  hour." 

"  Do  not ;  do  not,  I  beseech  you  !  I  will  go  in  one  moment."  Then 
falling  upon  his  knees,  he  said  :  "  Miss  Heartland,  is  there  no  hope  ?" 

"  None,"  she  said.  "  I  am  the  affianced  wife  of  another — you  had 
better  go — it  is  bes£  for  us  both  that  we  part  forever." 

"  I  cannot !  Oh,  I  cannot !"  he  said  piteously.  "Go  with  me  !  Fly 
these  fetters  in  which  they  would  bind  you,  God  intends  us  for 
each  other,  and  we  ought  not  to  be  separated  thus.  Oh,  come  with 
me!" 

Alice  felt  her  strength  failing,  but  she  thought  of  her  father,  and 
commanding  all  her  courage,  she  replied  : 

"  Leave  me,  or  I  will  call  my  father." 

"  Farewell,  forever,"  he  said,  and  slowly  left  the  room.  She  went 
to  the  window,  and  saw  him  mount  and  ride  away.  She  fell  upon  the 
sofa  weeping,  and  said  :  "  Poor  fellow,  how  he  loves  me  !  And  I — I — I 
must  not  think,  for  I  am  a  promised  wife." 

Daylight  still  found  her  sitting  there,  and  it  was  only  when  she 
heard  her  father's  footsteps  that  she  blew  out  the  light,  and  went  to 
meet  him. 

"  Here  already,  my  child  ?"  he  said  ;  and  she  handed  him  the  letters, 
bade  him  farewell,  and  told  him  not  a  word  of  her  sleepless  night, 
and  the  frenzied  visitor. 

"I  do  not  think  he  will  come  again,"  she  thought,  "and  I  do  not 
think  I  should  annoy  my  father  about  it.  Love  like  his  will  some 
times  step  without  the  pale  of  conventionalities,  and  I  would  not  ex 
pose  the  secret  of  one  who  loves  me  to  such  an  extent.  I  must  take 
pains  hereafter  to  keep  him  at  a  distance,  though  I  hope  he  will  not 
come  again." 

She  arose  then  and  went  to  her  chamber. 


158  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


TWO  GENTLEMEN. 

"  Murder  most  foul,  as  in  the  best  it  is  ; 
But  this  most  foul,  strange  and  unnatural.' 

On  reaching  Pettybone  Hall,  Col.  Heartland  found  Major  Pettybone 
ready,  and  they  started  for  San  Francisco.  The  air  was  freighted 
with  the  perfume  of  a  thousand  flowers,  and  as  they  reached  the  fork 
of  the  mountains  the  sun  had  risen  and  had  cast  his  golden  rays  over 
the  surrounding  landscape.  The  snow-capped  heights  reflected  his 
gorgeous  light  on  the  green  valleys  below.  Up  the  mountain  sides 
the  cactus  raised  its  crimson  head,  and  it  justly  deserves  the  name  it 
bears,  of  "snow  flower,"  in  this  land  of  enchantment.  Around  them 
the  wild  oats  covered  the  earth  on  both  sides  the  narrow  road,  while 
over  them  the  tall  forest  trees  cast  their  shadows.  Far  above,  the 
towering  red-wood  put  forth  its  branches  like  the  antlers  of  a  mighty 
stag,  affording  support  to  the  clinging  vines  laden  with  their  fruit,  and 
forming  an  arbor  overhead,  natural,  yet  artistic.  They  drove  into  a 
clear,  shallow  stream  that  crossed  the  road,  and  the  driver  paused  to 
water  the  horses.  They  gazed  around  them  in  silent  gratitude.  These 
two,  so  gentlemanly,  so  highly  cultivated,  so  good  and  pure,  were  fit 
companions  in  a  scene  like  this.  They  felt  deeply  grateful  that  the 
Giver  of  all  good  had  cast  their  lots  in  such  a  land.  Major  Pettybone 
was  the  first  to  speak. 

"  Is  it  not  astonishing,"  he  said,  "that  any  one  can  doubt  for  a  mo 
ment  the  existence  of  a  God  ?  It  has  ever  been  a  mystery  to  me 
how  thinking,  reasoning  men  can  for  a  moment  imagine  this  world  a 
world  of  chance.  Greece  and  Rome,  with  all  their  learning,  had  their 
dark  lore ;  and  Egypt,  in  her  palmiest  days,  furnished  her  share  of 
oracles  and  superstition.  From  both  history  and  romance  we  gather 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  159 

information  concerning  the  uses  to  which  men  of  '  sterner  stuff '  put 
these  oracles,  in  order  to  dupe,  to  gull  and  control  their  weaker  fellow- 
creatures.  Christianity  has  wiped  out  the  power  of  spells,  but  the 
evil  human  heart  is  still  the  same,  and  in  many  instances  chicanery 
and  craftiness,  supported  by  self-interest,  wield  a  power  as  mighty  as 
the  superstitions  of  old.  A  man  who  would  be  a  villain  can  make 
his  opportunities.  The  crafty,  cunning  Egyptian,  Arbaces  of  Pompeii, 
so  admirably  painted  by  Bulwer,  was  never  more  determined  to  carry 
out  his  fell  design  in  regard  to  the  beautiful  lone,  than  is  this  men 
dacious  fellow  Aldridge.  Col.  Heartland,  I've  watched  him  narrowly. 
He  is  a  base,  unscrupulous  fellow,  and  means  evil  to  you  and  yours." 

"  I  am  afraid,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "  your  excited  feelings  cause 
you  to  render  a  judgment,  which  in  calmer  moments  you  would  sup 
press.  You  are  safe,  so  let  not  these  fancies  disturb  your  happiness. 
Of  this  man  I  know  nothing,  but  he  is  visiting  our  good  friends,  the 
Woodfords,  and  as  their  guest  Alice  receives  him.  He  is  evidently  4 
a  man  of  the  world,  and  I  like  .him  not;  nor  will  my  daughter  give 
him  more  attention  than  common  politeness  requires.  She  will  now 
be  occupied  with  her  own  affairs,  and  no  thoughts  of  him  will  intrude  ; 
so  rest  easy.  Aldridge,  doubtless,  is  a  bad  man,  but  he  cannot  harm 
you.  If  you  remember,  he  was  the  hero  of  the  bank  robbery  in  San 
Francisco,  recently.  I  thought  his  attentions  were  directed  to  Miss 
Hubblestubble." 

"  You  have  been  thrown  entirely  off  the  track.  He  has  no  idea  of 
Miss  Hubblestubble.  I  dislike  to  see  that  lady  so  duped  by  the  vil 
lain,  and  yet  I  know  he  is  playing  her  false.  That  very  thing  con 
vinces  me  he  is  not  all  right,  for  no  man  will  trifle  with  the  best  feel 
ings  of  a  woman,  who  has  the  proper  sense  of  honor  about  him.  I 
hope  Miss  Alice  will  excuse  herself,  if  he  calls  again,  while  we  are 
gone." 

"But  Miss  Hubblestubble  will  not ;"  laughed  his  friend. 

11 1  am  afraid  not,  and  I  pity  her,  from  my  inmost  soul,  I  pity  her ; 
she  is  evidently  in  love  with  him  seriously." 

"Save  your  pity,"  retorted  Col.  Heartland;  "  she  would  be  just  as 
much  in  love  with  some  other  man,  in  less  than  a  week,  if  he  were 
gone.  I  rather  like  his  being  about ;  it  shields  me  from  her  matrimo 
nial  calculations." 

"  I  regret  to  hear  you  speak  of  any  woman,  my  friend,  in  so  light  a 
manner.  The  very  name  of  woman  is  sacred  to  me.  I  feel  like  I 
would  shield  the  whole  female  world  from  harm  if  I  could." 

"  I  meant  no  want  of  due  respect,"  replied  Col.  Heartland.  "  I  honor 
woman  as  much  as  you  can  possibly  do.  I  agree  with  you,  that  no 


160  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

honorable  man  would  take  undue  advantage  of  her  want  of  discern 
ment  to  win  her  love,  in  order  that  he  might  wantonly  wound  the  heart 
that  she  gave  him.  But  what  I  mean,  is  that  when  women  reach  a 
certain  age,  they  have  a  rare  faculty  of  transferring  their  affections 
from  one  object  to  another,  without  material  damage  to  the  well- 
cared-for  heart  in  question.  They  are  in  search  of  a  husband,  and 
are  apt  to  single  out  the  first  eligible  man  that  crosses  their  path. 
They  clothe  him  in  a  garb  of  romance  and  cover  him  with  a  veil  of 
love,  through  which  none  of  his  faults  are  perceptible,  and  kneeling 
at  the  shrine  of  their  idolatry,  worship  with  a  fervent  earnestness 
worthy  a  better  cause." 

They  rode  in  silence  some  distance,  when  Col.  Heartland  said  : 

"  Alice  tells  me  she  is  to  be  married  in  two  weeks,  and  it  is  on  busi 
ness  for  her,  as  well  as  for  myself,  that  I  visit  San  Francisco." 

"  It  is  for  this  purpose  that  I  am  going  thither  also,"  said  Major 
Pettybone.  "  I  am  having  the  Hall  fitted  up,  so  as  to  make  it  as  cheer 
ful  and  home-like  as  possible.  I  will  spare  no  pains  to  make  her 
happy." 

"Thank  you,"  said  his  friend. 

"  The  workmen  are  now  at  work  in  renovating  the  house,  and  I  am 
going  to  bring  all  my  energies  to  bear  in  creating  a  dwelling  place,  a 
paradise,  for  this  goddess  of  my  heart.  I  wish  to  make  you  feel  happy 
and  proud  that  you  consented  so  willingly  to  our  marriage." 

"  I  know  I  shall  not  regret  it.  I  have  no  fears  of  that,"  replied  Col. 
Heartland  enthusiastically,  and  they  rode  on  in  silence — the  one  think 
ing  sadly  of  the  past — the  mind  of  the  other  dwelling  in  rhapsody  on 
the  future.  Thus  they  pleasantly  travelled,  passing  the  nights  at 
wayside  inns.  They  looked  from  the  carriage  window  upon  the  lovely 
country  as  they  passed,  and  spoke  of  the  beauties  by  which  they 
were  surrounded.  Near  dark,  at  the  close  of  a  lovely  day,  they  drew 
up  to  a  wayside  house  to  remain  for  the  night.  The  host  was  a  rough, 
stalwart  man,  whose  manner  of  life  had  brought  vigor  to  his  form 
and  solidity  to  his  character.  He  had  been  personally  known  to  both 
the  gentlemen  for  several  years,  and  was  an  honest,  upright  business 
man,  belonging  to  that  type  of  Californians  who  dwell  on  their  ranches, 
surrounded  by  all  the  wealth  of  nature,  to  which  neither  civilization 
nor  industry  have  contributed  an  atom.  He  was  profuse  in  his  hospi 
tality  and  bade  them  welcome,  with  the  pomposity  so  natural  to  his 
class.  His  table,  which  was  two  boards  covered  with  a  coarse  cloth, 
was  spread  with  luxuries  that  might  tempt  a  king,  but  they  drank  their 
wine  from  tin  cups,  and  ate  from  tin  plates,  with  steel  forks  and  pew 
ter  spoons.  The  house  was  built  of  upright,  unplaned  plank  and 
partitioned  into  two  rooms,  though  scarcely  large  enough  for  one. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  161 

"  Glad  to  see  you.  gentlemen  ;  come  in,  come  in,"  he  said,  extend 
ing  a  hand  to  each  ;  "  house  small,  but  room  for  plenty  more  ;  like  an 
omnibus,  can  always  accommodate  one  more,  fact  of  the  business  is,  it 
is  all  foolishness,  the  waste  of  money  in  putting  up  fine  houses ;  this 
one  will  do  to  keep  things  dry  during  the  short  rainy  season,  and  the 
rest  of  the  year  no  man  has  use  for  a  house.  It's  just  a  burdensome 
piece  of  property,  that's  always  needing  repairs,  and  nobody  to  repair 
it  without  costing  lots  of  money — money  enough  to  buy  a  flock  of 
sheep,  or  kague  of  land.  In  fact,  it  is  a  most  useless  thing.  I  sleep 
in  a  hammock  tied  to  a  tree,  and  have  extra  ones  for  my  friends  when 
they  come,  and  I  know  of  no  man  who  is  getting  along  more  prosper 
ously  in  this  world,  than  I  am.  I  have  herds  of  cattle,  and  sheep  to 
my  heart's  content ;  broad  fields  of  wheat,  as  far  as  the  ranging  eye 
can  reach  ;  plenty  to  eat,  and  an  appetite  to  do  it  justice.  I  came  here 
a  poor  man,  sir,  and  look  at  my  circumstances  now  !  I  would  live  in 
no  other  land  ;  I  would  not  have  a  better  house.  If  one  was  built  on 
my  land  I  would  pull  it  down  or  burn  it  up.  A  fellow  came  here  yes 
terday,  saying  he  was  an  agent  for  lumber,  nails,  etc.  I  gave  him  his 
dinner  in  open  air,  and  told  him  to  go  at  some  better  business,  than 
trying  to  peddle  such  useless  commodities  ;  to  buy  a  league  of  land 
and  raise  wheat ;  to  hire  himself  as  herdsman ;  anything,  so  it  was 
something  useful.  Barns  and  stables,  indeed  ;  what  use  are  they  ? 
Only  an  annoyance.  I  cut  my  wheat,  thrash  it,  sack  it  and  let  it  re 
main  in  the  field  until  a  buyer  receives  it.  I  turn  my  flocks  on  the 
wild  oats  around,  and  I  live  like  a  prince  without  any  trouble," 

"  It  is  a  wonder,  you  have  never  married,"  interlarded  Major  Petty- 
bone. 

"  Too  much  trouble,  sir ;  too  much  trouble.  Wife  and  children 
would  run  me  raving  distracted.  She  would  be  wanting  fine  clothes, 
fine  carriages  and  fine  houses.  In  fact,  she  would  worry  me  to  death 
about  sending  the  children  to  school  here,  where  there  ain't  no  school ; 
about  going  to  see  her  mother,  and  bringing  the  old  lady  here  to  keep 
my  nose  to  the  grindstone.  Oh,  I  know  them  !  I  have  not  lived  forty- 
five  years  for  nothing." 

"I  regret,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  " that  you  look  so  gloomily  at 
life,  for  I  intended  to  recommend  a  lady  to  you." 

"Does  she  live  very  far  off?"  he  asked,  somewhat  interested. 

"  Not  very — a  few  days'  travel." 

"  Too  far  to  waste  time  for  such  a  trifle  as  a  sight  of  her.  Is 
she  old?" 

"  No." 

"  Is  she  pretty  ?" 
11 


162  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Passable." 

"  Is  she  rich?" 

"No." 

"  Has  she  any  poor  relations  likely  to  live  with  her  ?" 

"No,  she  has  no  relations." 

"  Has  she  no  mother  ?" 

"No  ;  nor  father,  nor  brother." 

"Is  she  dumb?" 

"No." 

"  Then  I  don't  want  her." 

"But  she  talks  well ;  not  too  much,  nor  too  little." 

"  I  don't  want  her." 

"  I  am  sorry  ;  your  lot  here  must  be  lonely." 

"  Yes,  tolerably,  sometimes  ;  but  it  is  better  not  to  have  any  com 
pany  than  too  much  ;  and  I  tell  you,  Major,"  he  said,  slapping  him 
upon  the  shoulder  with  a  vim  that  made  him  dizzy,  "  I  tell  you,  this 
thing  of  being  responsible  for  a  wife  and  all  her  children  ain't  what  it  is 
cracked  up  to  be.  After  a  man  gets  himself  into  that  fix,  he  might 
just  as  well  give  up  all  idea  of  peace  the  rest  of  his  life.  A  woman 
wants  so  much  done ;  it  is  this,  and  it  is  that ;  and  then  the  children  ! 
If  I  haven't  seen  them  in  regiments  here  in  California — 

"  I  would  like  to  know  what  you  call  regiments  ?" 

"Why,  sir,  I  have  a  neighbor  who  has  a  school  just  of  his  own 
family,  and  at  the  last  examination  I  was  invited  to  attend.  They 
made  a  large  parade ;  larger  than  some  of  the  village  schools  of  the 
East.  I  do  not  know  how  many  he  had.  I  could  not  count  the  girls* 
but  if  I  knew  how  many  Presidents  of  the  United  States  there  have 
been,  I  could  calculate  the  number  of  that  man's  boys,  though  I  know 
there  was  not  enough  of  Presidents  to  furnish  names  for  all,  so  the 
names  of  Aaron  Burr — almost  President — Henry  Clay,  Daniel  Web 
ster  and  John  C.  Calhoun  were  honored  in  the  Bobbit  family.  At  last 
accounts  they  have  crossed  the  ocean,  and  named  the  youngest  scion 
'  Napoleon  Bonaparte,'  and  even  in  his  extreme  youth,  he  has  evinced 
characteristics  of  his  great  namesake,  and  there  are  indications  of  the 
warlike  course  he  intends  to  pursue.  My  friend  Bobbit  honestly  be 
lieves  that  each  will  arise  to  the  distinction  of  his  illustrious  namesake 
and  employs  a  teacher  to  keep  his  sons  conversant  with  the  history  of 
their  respective  patrons.  The  lives  of  the  Presidents  and  the  above 
mentioned  four  remarkable  men,  are  all  the  books  his  library  contains . 
though,  I  suppose,  he  will  add  more  when  occasion  requires  it.  I 
went  to  the  examination,  and,  after  being  introduced  to  a  whole  team 
of  Mary  Anns,  Eliza  Janes  and  Kezias,  we  proceeded  to  the  grove, 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  163 

where  the  exercises  were  to  come  off.  Two  of  the  girls  sang  '  Barbara 
Allen,'  while  George  Washington  kept  time  with  the  bones,  and 
James  Madison  whistled  the  air  ;  the  music  ended,  the  teacher  pro 
ceeded  to  call  the  roll : 

"  'George  Washington  Bobbit.' 

"  'Here  !' 

"  'John  Adams  Bobbit.' 

"'Here!' 

"  'Thomas  Jefferson  Bobbit.' 

"  'Here !'  and  so  on,  until  the  names  of  all  the  boys  and  girls  were 
called.  All  proving  to  be  present,  the  exercises  proceeded,  beginning 
with  a  speech  of  'The  Father  of  his  Country,'  committed  to  memory 
by  the  Bobbit  upon  whose  shoulders  the  mantle  of  Washington  is  to 
fall,  if  old  Bobbit's  prayers  are  answered.  Then  John  Adams  Bobbit 
mounted  the  rostrum,  and,  as  '  Live  or  die,  sink  or  swim,'  fell  from  his 
lips,  tears  were  seen  in  his  mother's  eyes,  and  his  father's  waistcoat 
buttons  flew  in  every  direction  as  his  manly  bosom  swelled  with 
pride  when  he  recognized  in  his  son  one  who  will  surely  inherit  all  the 
gifts  of  the  great  statesman. 

"  Each  followed  with  a  soul-stirring  speech  of  the  statesman  whose 
name  he  bore,  and  each  gave  promise  of  a  coming  future,  when  he 
would  proudly  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  his  distinguished  predecessor. 
Little  Ulysses  Grant — two  years  old — bowed  and  said  :  '  Let  us  have 
peace.'  The  exercises  closed  as  they  began,  with  music,  except  that 
'  William  Henry  Harrison  '  held  the  bones,  and  '  Zach  Taylor '  whistled 
the  tune. 

"  'Did  you  ever  see  as  much  talent  ?'  said  the  delighted  father,  as  he 
crushed  my  knuckles  in  a  farewell  shake  of  the  hand. 

"'Don't  ask  such  foolish  questions,  husband,'  said  his  wife;  'of 
course  he  never  did.  Good-bye,  sir;  come  again,'  she  continued,  with 
a  courtesy. 

"  'I  had  gone  some  distance  from  the  house,  when  some  of  the 
smaller  orators  called  after  me,  saying : 

"  'Stranger,  what  might  your  name  be?     You  did  not  tell  us.' 

"  I  replied,  'I  thought  you  knew  it ;  but  why  do  you  ask?' 

"  'Kase  I  want  to  name  my  '  limber-jack  '  after  you,'  replied  the  lit 
tle  rascal,  running  back. 

"  I  turned  and  looked  at  him.     It  was  Abraham  Lincoln. 

'"Don't  mind  him,'   said  another  larger  boy.     '"He  hain't  got  no 

manners.     His  ears  ought  to  be  lengthened,  and  he  ought  to  be  sent 

to  the  stable  to  live,  if  daddy  had  one.     But  I'll  straighten  him.     I'll 

teach  him  how  to  treat  a  gentleman.     I  can  whip  any  boy  no  bigger 


164  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

than  I  am,  and  I'll  do  it,  just  as  sure  as  my  name  is  Andrew  Jackson 
Bobbitt,'  and  he  pursued  his  brother. 

"  Now,  my  friend,  do  you  think  I  could  venture  to  have  my  com 
fort  interfered  with  in  that  manner?  I  would  not  marry  for  the  wide 
world." 

"  I  think  the  scene  you  have  described  quite  a  happy  one,"  said 
Major  Pettybone. 

"Maybe  you  do,"  said  his  host,  "but  I  will  take  none  of  it  in  mine. 
Why  !  in  a  week  you  would  not  know  the  place,  if  I  were  to  marry. 
Every  comfort  would  be  taken  away .  A  house  would  be  built.  1 
would  be  followed  around  with  a  broom.  I  would  have  to  tie  my 
shoes,  and  wear  a  collar  every  day.  It  came  near  killing  me  to  keep 
dressed  up  so  long,  nor  do  I  think  I  shall  ever  go  there  a>ain.  I  love 
my  comfort,  case,  and  peace  of  mind  too  well  to  imperil  them  by  any 
such  an  adventure.  Children  !  What  in  the  world  would  I  do  with 
children  ?  I  would  herd  them  and  hire  a  shepherd  to  watch  them  ;  I 
would  have  to  count  them  night  and  morning,  to  see  if  they  were 
all  in  place.  I  don't  know  what  I  would  do  if  I  were  in  Bobbit's 
shoes,  yet  I  would  like  to  have  that  Abe  Lincoln  of  his.  The  rascal 
will  be  hung  on  his  way  to  the  White  House!  I  believe  I  will  ask  his 
father  to  give  him  to  me,  and  let  me  educate  him.  It  would  be  of  no 
use  to  do  that  though,  for  I  have  heard  him,  time  and  again,  assert 
that  he  would  not  part  with  one  of  his  treasures  for  the  whole  of 
creation.  It  is  said  that  children  are  a  poor  man's  riches  ;  Bobbit  is  a 
millionaire  according  to  that  theory.  When  they  are  young  they  are 
more  trouble  than  they  are  worth  ;  and  in  the  country,  where  servants 
are  scarce,  they  are  intolerable.  No  peace,  night  or  day.  When  the 
oldest  is  ready  to  go  to  bed,  the  youngest  is  ready  to  get  up.  They 
have  the  colic  ;  cry  and  fret ;  they  eat  too  much,  and  sleep  badly  ;  you 
dare  not  trust  them  out  of  your  sight,  for  the  horses  will  kick  them  ; 
the  tarantulas  sting  them  ;  they  will  fall  and  break  their  noses,  or 
something  dreadful  happens  to  them." 

"Your  picture  is  a  doleful  one,"  said  Col.  Heartland. 

"  Yes,  but  a  true  one,"  said  his  host ;  "  and  that  ain't  all.  Think  of 
the  whooping-cough  and  the  measles,  chicken-pox,  and  ever  so  many 
ills  'that  the  flesh  of  children  is  heir  to,'  and  all  these  must  be  gone 
through  with  without  a  murmur  on  the  part  of  the  father.  Let  him  dare 
sleep,  with  a  sick  child  in  the  house,  and  his  name  will  be  coupled  with 
a  list  of  brutes  excelling  in  number  those  that  went  into  Noah's  ark. 
And  when  would  there  be  a  time  when  there  was  not  a  sick  child  in 
the  house  ?  Never  ;  for  when  one  set  got  through  with  the  measles, 
whooping-cough,  chicken-pox,  and  what  not,  there  would  be  another 


TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California.  165 

set  coming  on  to  cut  the  same  figure.  Then,  after  they  are  older 
their  education  must  be  attended  to.  The  boys  are  awkward,  and 
the  girls  are  green.  Oh,  how  I  remember  when  I  was  a  boy  !  I  was 
in  everybody's  way;  stepping  on  corns;  upsetting  chairs;  taking 
horses  at  the  wrong  time ;  going  off  in  a  hurry,  and  coming  back  too 
late  to  please  anybody ;  always  doing  something  wrong,  and  never 
anything  right.  •  I  never  saw  such  a  boy,'  coming  constantly  from  the 
lips  of  all  the  family,  except  my  mother.  I  pity  a  boy  who  has  no 
mother  (tears  glistened  in  the  strong  man's  eyes).  Yes,  from  my  in 
most  soul,  I  pity  him.  A  boy's  mother  never  thinks  he  is  in  the  way  ; 
she  never  thinks  he  does  wrong;  she  will  stand  between  him  and 
shame  and  ruin  ;  she  will  love  him  more  as  misfortunes  thicken,  and 
cling  to  him  through  all  adverse  circumstances.  But  I  don't  want  any 
boys.  When  I  think  of  the  many  thousand  prisons  in  the  world,  I 
am  glad  I  have  no  sons  to  go  into  them,  and  that  I  have  no  sons  to 
hang  on  gibbets ;  that  I  have  no  daughters  whose  griefs  would  be 
mine  also,  when  their  husbands  were  frequenting  the  gambling  hells 
of  'Frisco,  or  bearing  upon  their  brows  the  brand  of  Cain." 

The  words  were  scarcely  spoken  when  a  loud  cry  of  •'  Help  !    Mur 
der  !    Help  !"  rang  in  their  ears. 


1 66  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California, 


CHAPTER   XXIX. 


KIRKLAND. 

"  Our  lives,  cut  off 

In  our  young  prinie  of  years,  are  like  green  herbs 
With  which  we  strew  the  hearses  of  our  friends." 

When  the  mournful  cry  for  help  so  unexpectedly  rang  out  upon  the 
night  air,  all  sprang  to  their  feet.  Col.  Heartland  hurried  in  the  direc 
tion  of  the  voice,  closely  followed  by  Major  Pettybone  and  their 
loquacious  host.  A  horse  dashed  wildly  by  them  with  saddle  and 
bridle,  but  riderless.  They  heard  low  moans,  and  soon  came  to  a 
prostrate  man  upon  the  roadside. 

"  The  villain  !  The  assassin  !  He  stabbed  me  and  fled.  He  went 
there,"  he  said,  and  he  pointed  in  an  opposite  direction  from  the  horse. 
They  all  looked,  but  could  see  nothing.  "  He  has  taken  all  my  money 
and  papers,"  said  the  wounded  man ;  "  two  thousand  dollars  and 
some  checks.  Don't  move  me,"  he  said,  and  feeling  at  his  side,  he 
pulled  away  something ;  they  looked  closer ;  it  was  a  stiletto,  and 
covered  with  blood.  "  He  was  a  most  ungainly  creature ;  I  don't 
know  whether  he  was  a  man  or  beast.  He  demanded  my  money.  I 
refused.  He  struck  me  and  pulled  me  from  my  horse,  robbed  me  and 
fled.  Oh,  God !  I  am  dying !  I  am  from  New  Hampshire,  and  my 
name  is  Kirkland.  I  was  going  to  San  Diego." 

He  gasped,  and  was  dead.  He  had  bled  to  death  from  the  sever 
ance  of  the  artery  near  the  hip.  They  carried  his  body  to  the  house 
and  laid  it  upon  a  bed,  and  awaited  a  coroner's  inquest.  Col.  Heart 
land  started  as  he  looked  upon  the  corpse ;  it  was  the  young  man 
whom  he  and  Alice  had  met  upon  the  train  a  few  weeks  before.  The 
servants  and  hired  men  spread  the  news  far  and  wide.  Col.  Heartland 
remembering  the  stiletto,  proposed  they  should  return  and  get  it 
They  did  so  ;  on  the  grass,  in  the  direction  the  dying  man  pointed,  lay 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  167 

something  white  ;  they  picked  it  up  ;  it  was  a  note.     On  returning  to 
the  house  they  read  it,  and  it  ran  thus : 

"  DEAR  CHUM  :  I  am  getting  along  swimmingly.  Want  more 
money.  Be  sure  to  have  some  when  I  come. 

"  You  KNOW  WHO." 

It  was  addressed  to  Grubbs,  San  Francisco,  with  two  hieroglyphical 
initials  before  the  name. 

Major  Pettybone  and  Col.  Heartland  remained  until  after  the  assem 
blage  and  verdict  of  the  jury.  The  verdict  was  as  follows  :  "  Came 
to  his  death  from  a  stab  in  the  side  with  a  stiletto,  in  the  hands  of 
some  unknown  person." 

The  deceased  was  a  young  man  of  about  twenty-eight  years,  pre 
possessing  in  person,  with  dark  hair  and  eyes. 

"I  wonder,"  thought  Col.  Heartland,  "if  he  can  in  any  way  be 
connected  with  my  friend  Kirkland,  in  Southern  California.  I  will 
write  and  ask ;  the  name  is  the  same,  and  they  were  from  the  same 
place." 

The  sun  was  high  in  the  east  when  they  took  leave  of  their  host, 
after  a  sleepless  night.  He  followed  f  hem  to  the  carriage,  and  pressed 
them  on  their  return  to  pass  the  night  with  him,  and  forgetting  for  a 
moment  his  sad  surroundings,  he  said  to  Major  Pettybone :  "  Tell  me 
who  the  lady  is  that  you  thought  would  suit  me." 

"It  was,"  replied  the  Major,  with  a  smile,  "Miss  Hubblestubble* 
who  resides  with  Miss  Alice  Heartland,  at  Sierran  Villa." 

"Maybe  I'll  go  and  see  her,"  he  said,  as  the  carriage  drove  off. 
Both  gentlemen  bowed  and  they  separated. 

"  My  friend,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "  I  am  very  much  afraid  this 
young  man  is  a  near  kinsman  of  Frank  Kirkland.  It  is  terrible  to 
have  strangers  murdered  in  this  manner  in  our  State.  I  wish  the  law 
could  be  brought  to  bear  on  the  murderers  in  all  its  force.  We 
have  a  dreadful  character  abroad ;  we  are  looked  upon  as  a  half- 
civilized  set,  unworthy  the  respect  of  good  and  honest  men.  All  the 
fugitives  from  justice  fly  to  our  borders,  and,  concealing  themselves 
among  our  scattered  population,  under  assumed  names,  commit  deeds 
from  which  the  reputation  of  our  State  suffers.  I  intend  to  do  all  I 
can  to  find  the  perpetrator  of  this  foul  deed,  and  have  justice  meted 
out  to  him." 

"  I  will  join  you  heart  and  soul,"  replied  his  friend. 

They  rode  on,  and  reached  the  Ferries  near  the  close  of  the  day. 

'k  As  if  to  grace  the  gorgeous  east, 

The  Spirit  of  departing  light, 
That  ever  had  left  his  sunny  west 
Behind  him  ere  he  winged  his  flight." 


1 68  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Shall  we  attempt  any  business  to-night,  or  shall  we  wait  till  to 
morrow,"  asked  Major  Pettybone,  when  they  were  safely  on  the  boat. 

"  I  think  we  had  better  wait  until  morning,"  said  Col.  Heartland, 
"  I  am  too  weary  to  even  think.  The  excitement  of  last  night,  com 
bined  with  fatigue,  has  prostrated  me." 

"Shall  we  take  lodgings,  or  shall  we  go  to  Waldron's?"  said  MaJor 
Pettybone. 

"To  Waldron's,"  returned  his  friend.  "  I  am  afraid  we  will  offend 
him  if  we  go  elsewhere." 

They  accordingly  drove  to  Mr.  Waldron's  residence,  on  one  of  the 
fashionable  streets.  He  had  just  returned  from  his  office,  and  received 
them  in  a  most  cordial  manner,  and  bestowed  upon  them  every  atten 
tion  their  wearied  condition  required.  He  refreshed  them  with  wine 
and  cake,  and  soon  had  them  prepared  a  most  palatable  oyster  supper. 

After  supper  the  murder  was  discussed.  "  I  regret,"  said  Mr. 
Waldron,  "  that  these  things  occur  here  in  our  midst,  without  our 
having  power  to  prevent  them.  Though,  in  this  case,  I  think  the 
thing  will  be  sifted  thoroughly ;  at  least,  I  hope  so.  I  will  volunteer 
in  the  prosecution,  if  the  murderer  is  found.  That  young  man  was 
here  in  San  Francisco  for  several  weeks,  and  won  for  himself  many 
friends,  myself  among  the  number.  He  has  relations  here,  and  is  a 
brother  of  Frank  Kirkland,  of  San  Diego  county." 
•  "  Is  it  possible  ?"  gasped  Col.  Heartland.  "  Yes,  you  know  them  ; 
they  belong  to  the  best  of  New  Hampshire's  families,  and  their  warm 
feelings  for  the  South  have  made  them  many  friends  among  the 
Southerners  in  this  section." 

"  It  is  absurd,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  "to  suppose  that  all  the  honor 
and  good  feelings  are  confined  to  the  Southern  States.  I  have  had 
many  Northern  friends,  and  none  of  them  have  proven  themselves 
more  true." 

"  If  the  Northern  people  knew  more  of  the  Southern,  if  they  could 
travel  among  them  and  visit  them  socially,"  said  Waldron,  '•  their  hearts 
would  beat  more  kindly  towards  them  in  their  hour  of  distress ;  and 
if  the  Southern  people  only  knew,  or  could  realize  the  real  affection 
most  of  the  better  classes  of  the  North  cherish  for  them,  they  would 
cast  aside  all  sectional  hate,  and  dwell  together  in  fraternal  love." 

"  Yes,"  joined  in  Col.  Heartland  ;  "  it  is  a  want  of  a  proper  knowl 
edge  of  the  merits  and  feelings  of  each  other  that  keeps  them  alien 
ated.  I  am  a  Southerner ;  all  my  feelings  are  for  our  ruined  and 
devastated  countrv ;  yet,  I  know,  of  late,  we  have  been  the  victims  of 
circumstances — a  prey  to  robbers  and  thieves  in  the  South,  while  we 
have  many  warm  friends  in  the  North  who  are  doing  all  they  can, 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  169 

socially  and  politically,  for  our  bleeding  country.  I  have  been  away 
from  Virginia  many  years,  but  am  always  with  her  in  spirit.  Per 
sonally,  I  have  many  warm  friends  who  were  born  North  ;  for  instance, 
there  is  Frank  Kirkland.  I  love  him  as  a  brother ;  I  have  known  him 
for  years,  and  never  knew  a  more  honorable,  hightoned  gentleman. 
I  feel  for  him  in  this  recent  affliction.  I  met  this  young  man  once, 
but  did  not  know  who  he  was,"  and  Col.  Heartland  related  the  circum 
stance.  "  You  know  this  young  man,  you  say  ?" 

"  Yes,"  said  the  lawyer;  "the  young  man  was  often  in  my  office. 
He  told  me  of  a  fellow  here  who  tried,  time  and  again;  to  get  him  into 
a  faro  bank.  He  pointed  him  out  to  me — his  name  is  Linton.  He  is 
regular  roper  for  a  gambling  hell,  and  a  hideous  looking  creature.  If 
he  did  not  look  so  vile  my  sympathies  would  be  aroused.  His  dress 
is  of  the  shabby  genteel ;  his  hair  uncombed  and  long ;  no  neck ;  all 
legs ;  eyes  of  a  different  color,  crossed  up  and  down ;  keeps  one  or 
the  other  shut  all  the  time  ;  dreadful  mouth  ;  teeth  protruding.  If  he 
seeks  your  acquaintance  while  here,  you  will  know  what  he  is  after. 
I  would  give  anything  for  some  pretext,  that  I  might  have  him  arrested, 
for  1  know  he  is  covered  with  crime.  By-the-bye,  he  answers  the 
description  of  the  man  who  visited  your  house  while  you  were  absent, 
of  which  tou  wrote  me.  I  am  watching  him  closely,  and  I  hope  the 
detectives,  in  ferreting  out  this  murder  case,  may  catch  up  with  some 
of  his  deviltry,  also." 

Col.  Heartland  remembered  the  words  of  the  dying  man  in  regard 
to  his  murderer,  but  said  nothing.  He  asked  for  a  pen  and  wrote  a 
letter  to  his  friend,  Frank  Kirkland,  telling  him  all  he  knew  about  the 
horrid  deed.  He  offered  his  condolence,  and  mentioned  having  met 
the  young  man,  as  before  stated  ;  that  his  daughter  had  hoped  to  have 
himself  and  wife  at  her  wedding,  but  of  course  now  would  have  to 
forego  that  pleasure.  The  letter  finished  and  addressed,  he  heard 
Major  Pettybone  say  : 

"  Mr.  Waldron,  do  you  know  a  man  by  the  name  of  Aldridge?" 

"  Yes,"  replied  Waldron  ;  "  I  heard  him,  down  near  the  hotel,  give 
this  same  beast,  of  whom  we  were  speaking,  a  most  terrible  cursing, 
for,  !ie  said,  endeavoring  to  rope  him  in.  A  bystander  told  me  at  the 
time  that  he  did  not  see  why  he  should  be  so  furious,  as  he  had  been  a 
gambler  of  no  mean  repute  himself.  But  still  he  is  the  hero  of  that 
bank  affair,  and  a  great  friend  of  Woodford's.  I  thought,  perhaps, 
there  was  a  mistake."  Col.  Heartland  opened  his  eyes.  "  But,"  con 
tinued  Waldron,  "  I  don't  know  anything  positive  in  regard  to  him. 
for  soon  after  a  worthy  citizen  told  me  he  was  an  excellent  man.  He 
stays  most  of  his  time  with  young  Woodford,  in  your  neighborhood 


I/O  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

Woodford  met  him  here,  and  says  he  is  all  right ;  that  he  has  seen  him 
tempted,  and  he  steadily  refused  both  wine  and  gambling.  It  seems 
to  me,  if  he  wished  to  gamble,  San  Francisco,  and  not  a  country 
home,  would  be  the  place  of  his  choice.  It  is  certain  that  he  is  here 
without  any  visible  means  of  support.  He  does  nothing,  that  any  one 
knows  of,  and  gets  no  funds  from  abroad ;  for  this  information  I  am 
indebted  to  the  bankers." 

Major  Pettybone  thought  of  the  note  they  had  found  near  the  spot 
where  young  Kirkland  was  killed,  and  thought  perhaps  Linton  was 
his  banker.  But  he  said  not  a  word,  for  prudent  men  are  cautious 
when  they  have  no  proof  to  sustain  their  allegations. 

"  I  expect  you  are  tired,  gentlemen,  and  would  like  to  retire,"  said 
Mr.  Waldron,  at  the  same  time  conducting  them  to  their  rooms. 

"  Good  night." 

"  Good  night,"  and  in  a  few  moments  "sleep  overpowered  thought, 
and  their  weary  frames  were  at  rest,"  one  revelling  in  dreams  of  future 
love  and  joy — the  other  walking  over  the  distant  fields  of  past  joys 
and  sorrows. 

The  eastern  sun  was  beaming  in  at  their  window  before  they  awoke. 
Mr.  Waldron  was  in  the  sitting-room  early,  awaiting  the  appearance 
of  his  guests. 

"  I  wonder,"  he  thought,  "  if  Miss  Heartland  will  marry  my  friend 
Pettybone  ;  not  that  he  is  not  a  perfect  gentleman,  but  he  is  so  much 
older  than  she  ;  his  worldly  experience  so  much  greater.  I  am  younger 
than  he,  and  yet,  as  often  as  I  have  seen  that  pretty  little  girl,  it  never 
occurred  to  me  to  fall  in  love  with  her.  In  fact,  I  have  devoted  my 
whole  time  and  attention  to  my  business,  and,  as  the  result  shows,  I 
have  been  a  successful  man.  Though  I  do  not  visit  ladies  very  often, 
yet  when  I  do,  I  enjoy  their  society  exceedingly.  I  have  heretofore 
excluded  the  idea  of  marriage  from  my  thoughts ;  but  Pettybone 
looked  so  happy  last  night,  it  has  set  me  to  thinking  of  it.  I  think  I  shall 
marry,  also,  after  a  while,  when  I  am  older,"  and  he  smiled  as  he 
thought  of  Major  Pettybone.  "  There  is  Heartland,  too.  It  is  singu 
lar  he  has  never  married  again  ;  he  is  so  eminently  fitted  for  that  rela 
tion  ;  a  man  who  could  make  a  woman  truly  happy.  I  have  been  his 
agent  here  for  years,  attended  to  all  his  business,  and  we  have  never 
had  a  jar.  He  is  as  gentle  as  a  woman,  and  has  as  true  delicacy  of 
feeling.  His  daughter  is  wonderfully  like  him  in  appearance.  I  think, 
though,  he  has  kept  her  too  close.  She  should  have  seen  more  of  the 
world.  She  is  as  unsuspicious  and  innocent  as  an  infant,  and  would 
fall  an  easy  prey  to  a  fortune  hunter.  But  that  difficulty  will  be  obvi 
ated,  as  she  is  so  soon  to  be  married." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  171 

His  friends  entered,  and  he  arose  to  meet  them,  and  led  them  to  the 
breakfast-room. 

"Mr.  Waldron,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  after  they  were  fairly  under 
way  with  their  breakfast,  "  it  is  strange  to  me  that  you  have  never 
married." 

"  I  expect  it  does  seem  strange  to  you,  just  now,  "  returned  the  law 
yer  with  a  merry  twinkle  of  the  eye. 

"  But  you  could  make  a  wife  so  happy  and  comfortable  here,  "  said 
the  Major,  looking  around,  "  and  a  home,  it  matters  not  what  else 
there  is  in  it,  is  no  home  at  all  without  the  sweet  influence  of  a 
woman.  " 

"  Doubtless  you  think  so,  "  said  the  amused  lawyer. 

"  A  good  wife  is  the  greatest  of  God's  gifts  to  man,  "  said  Major 
Pettybone  ;  "  and  he  is  indeed  unappreciative  who  would  neglect  his 
opportunities  of  obtaining  one.  I  hope,  Waldron,  such  a  blessing  may 
fall  to  your  lot,  as  the  love  of  a  beautiful  woman,  who  will  preside 
over  your  home,  making  it  a  paradise  on  earth  for  you,  by  sending 
continual  sunshine  to  your  heart." 

"  Thank  you,  devoutly,  "  said  Waldron,  with  a  smile ;  "  but  your 
picture  would  have  a  bad  effect  if  it  became  a  reality.  It  would  cause 
me  to  cling  too  fondly  to  this  life,  and  have  no  wisl.es  for  a  future 
one.  But  you  almost  make  me  wish  I  was  going  to  be  married  soon." 

They  arose  from  the  table,  and  as  they  left  the  room,  Col.  Heart 
land  thought,  "  Pettybone  reminds  me  of  some  widowers  I  have 
seen.  He  is  so  happy  himself,  he  is  reccommending  marriage  to 
every  one  he  meets.  But  his  senses  will  return  again,  when  he  be 
comes  a  Benedict."  And  they  proceeded  to  the  business  of  the  day. 
Col.  Heartland  was  closeted  long  with  his  attorney  and  agent,  while 
Major  Pettybone  flew  hither  and  thither  ;  purchasing  all  sorts  of 
household  necessities  and  ornaments.  After  dinner  Col.  Heartland 
purchased  all  the  requisites  for  his  daughter's  wedding,  and  ordered 
them  sent  to  his  country  home.  He  went  to  his  daughters  milliner, 
and  gave  order  for  a  most  costly  trousseau,  and  told  her  to  send  the 
bills  to  Waldron.  They  met  Linton,  whom  they  recognized  from  the 
lawyer's  description,  two  or  three  times.  He  ventured  to  banter 
Major  Pettybone  for  a  game  of  cards,  but  was  bluffed  so  decidedly,  he 
did  not  approach  him  again.  He  accosted  Col.  Heartland,  offering  to 
show  him  the  way  to  some  shop,  of  which  he  was  in  search. 

"No,  thank  you,  "  said  Col.  Heartland,  "  I  beg  to  be  relieved  of 
your  company,"  and  he  walked  rapidly  away. 

Linton  watched  them  until  they  left  for  home,  at  day-break  the 
next  morning.  He  was  satisfied  they  carried  no  money  with  them, 


172  Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California. 

and  he  did  not  follow  to  waylay  them.  Waldron  promised,  as  he 
shook  hands  with  his  friends,  he  would  be  with  them  at  the  wedding,  if 
allowed  to  be  groomsman  and  the  escort  of  Miss  Ella  Woodford. 

"Certainly,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  "if  my  friend  Col.  Heartland 
does  not  object." 

"  If  it  only  be  the  arrangement  of  one  evening,"  laughingly  said 
his  friend,  "  I  will  consent,  but  I  could  not  give  Miss  Ella  up,  even  to 
Waldron,  as  much  as  I  like  him."  They  drove  off,  and  Mr.  Waldron 
returned  to  finish  his  breakfast. 

"Pettybone,"  he  said  to  himself,  "  is  in  love  with  the  whole  female 
creation.  I  never  heard  a  man  speak  so  enthusiastically  of  women. 
He  is  the  happiest  creature  I  ever  saw,  and  God  grant  that  his  happiness 
may  continue.  A  disappointment  in  this  affair  would  ruin  him  for 
life;  but  there  is  no  danger  of  that,  unless  it  be  death;  for  all  parties 
seem  to  be  willing  enough." 

"  He  tried  to  tease  Heartland  about  little  Ella  Woodford,  but  that 
was  the  result  of  his  own  state  of  feeling.  Heartland  has  no  inten 
tions  in  that  or  any  other  direction.  Pettybone  wishes  everybody  to 
be  happy  like  himself,  and  consequently  he  advises  all  his  friends  to 
marry;"  and  taking  his  hat  Mr.  Waldron  went  to  his  office. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


THE  UNEXPECTED    VISITOR. 

ivThe  marriage  feast  was  spread  ;  the  bridal    wreath  was  woven,  and  merry 

hearts  chided  the  lagging  hours.'' 

The  wedding  arrangements  at  Sierran  Villa  were  made  with  an  ele 
gance  and  profusion  that  only  such  an  income  as  Col.  Heartland's  jus 
tifies.  All  that  art  could  furnish  and  nature  yield  were  combined  to 
adorn  and  beautify.  The  trosseau  came;  it  was  superb  and  costly; 
the  San  Francisco  mantua-maker  had  exerted  herself,  and  put  to  test 
her  taste  and  skill  in  purchasing  and  making  the  expensive  garments. 
The  dress  was  of  white  silk,  covered  with  lace  ;  the  veil  was  of  costliest 
lace,  long  and  flowing,  to  be  gathered  around  the  head  with  a  hand 
some  wreath  of  orange  flowers.  Miss  Hubblestubble  was  here,  there 
and  everywhere,  looking  at  this,  handling  that,  and  taking  a  mental  in 
ventory  of  all  the  bridal  effects,  '  for,"  said  she  to  herself,  "  in  a  few 
weeks  my  time  will  come,  and  I  will  be  prepared  to  order  what  is 
needful  for  the  occasion.  I  do  not  wish  so  costly  a  trousseau,  for  I  can 
not  afford  it,  and  though  Mr.  Aldridge  is  so  immensely  wealthy  I  would 
not  like  for  him  to  pay  bills  contracted  previous  to  our  marriage.  But 
I  intend  to  have  a  few  handsome  things,  and  I  can  judge  pretty  well 
from  these  what  I  wish.  Mr.  Aldridge  was  here  to  see  me  only  yes 
terday,  and  told  me  he  was  getting  so  that  a  short  absence  from  me 
seemed  years  to  him.  I  would  not  be  surprised  if  he  did  not  hurry 
matters,  and  we  were  married  sooner  than  I  now  expect.  I  don't  see 
why  we  should  not  be,  I  have  made  a  great  many  things  already,  and  I 
will  not  have  a  great  deal  of  preparation  to  make;  besides,  I  am  Yankee 
enough  to  be  always  ready  to  avail  myself  of  any  opportunity  that  may 
occur  by  which  I  could  better  my  condition."  She  was  musing  thus 
when  Bertina  came  in  and  said  : 


1/4  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Miss  Hubblestubble,  (she  had  learned  the  name  at  last,)  there  is  a 
gentleman  in  the  parlor  who  wishes  to  see  you." 

"  It  is  Mr.  Aldridge,"  she  said,  as  she  went  to  her  room  to  arrange 
her  toilet.  "  Dear  fellow,  he  will  come  every  day.  I  told  him  only 
yesterday  we  were  very  busy,  and  not  to  come  again  until  the  wed 
ding,  but  he  could  not  stay  from  me  so  long." 

On  going  down  into  the  parlor  she  was  greatly  surprised  in  finding, 
not  Aldridge,  but  a  stranger.  All  her  romantic  ideas  vanished  as  Col. 
Heartland  introduced  the  wayside  host,  whose  rough  appearance  and 
coarse  voice  was  anything  but  pleasing  to  her  refined  ear. 

"  My  friend  has  called,  at  the  suggestion  of  Major  Pettybone,  to  pay 
his  respects  to  Miss  Hubblestubble,  and  I  commend  him  to  her  good 
graces,"  and  Col.  Heartland  left  the  room. 

"  Yes,  marm,"  said  the  stranger,  "  my  esteemed  friend,  the  Major  told 
me  'bout  your  being  here.  I  did  not  know  it  before,  or  I  should  have 
called  sooner.  Pretty  bag  you've  got,  marm,"  he  said  abruptly,  eyeing 
the  famous  blue  reticule. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  she  said  stiffly,  "but  will  you  excuse  me  to-day,  Miss 
Heartland  is  to  be  married,  and  I  am  very  busy  ?  "  and  she  started 
to  go. 

"Wait  a  minute,"  said  he;  "  I've  got  something  else  on  my  mind.  I 
did  not  take  this  long  ride  for  nothing." 

"  Please  state  your  business,"  she  said,  reseating  herself  upon  the 
sofa. 

He  got  up  and  took  a  seat  beside  her ;  she  left  the  sofa,  and  taking 
a  chair,  said : 
"  Proceed,  sir." 

He  placed  an  elbow  on  each  knee,  and  twirling  his  hat  round  and 
round  by  the  brim,  he  looked  confidently  and  steadily  into  her  face,  as 
he  said  : 

"  I  heard  you  were  a  single  lady  without  a  mother,  and  I  thought  I 
would  come  and  see  if  you  and  I  couldn't  hitch — that  is,  splice." 
"  What?"  said  she,  rising  to  her  feet. 
"I  come  to  see  if  you  and  I  could  not  make  a  match." 
It  was  too  much  for    her.     She   sailed  majestically  from   the  room 
and  all  heard  the  bang  with  which  her  door  was  closed. 

"Guess  she  ain't  coming  back  any  more,"  said  he  to  himself.  "She 
went  out  piping  mad,  and  for  what  I  can't  see.  She  was  in  a  bad 
humor  when  I  came,  for  she  tried  to  get  away  before  I  said  anything^ 
but  I  had  no  notion  of  that.  I  don't  care  a  bit  tho',  for  I  saw  poor 
Bobbit  as  I  came  along,  and  I  thought  very  seriously  of  turning  back 
right  then,  and  after  I  reached  here  and  saw  her,  I  wished  I  had.  I  will 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  175 

keep  the  fate  of  that  man  before  my  eyes  and  not  try  to  play  the  fooj 
again." 

"It  was  no  go,"  he  said  to  Col.  Heartland,  as  that  gentleman  re 
turned.  "I've  had  my  long  ride  for  nothing,  and  have  almost  killed 
myself  in  new  clothes,  tight  boots  and  shirt  collar." 

"What  is  no  go  ?"  asked  his  friend. 

"Why,  she  refused  me,  at  least  I  take  it  as  a  refusal,  the  manner  in 
which  she  went  out;  I  can  take  a  hint  if  she  didn't  say  anything.  Wh  y 
sir,"  said  he,  rising  to  take  his  leave,  "I  never  saw  such  yellow  jacket 
capers  in  my  life,  she  got  as  ipad  as  a  hornet,  and  walked  out  of  the 
room  as  if  she  had  swallowed  three  pokers,  one  taking  effect  in  each 
leg,  and  one  in  the  stomach  in  a  perpendicular  position,  undigested." 

"I  am  sorry,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  controlling  himself  as  only  he 
could,  "that  you  should  have  mentioned  that  subject  on  your  first 
visit." 

"Why,  Colonel,  you  did  not  suppose  I  was  going  to  take  two  rides 
way  out  here  on  an  uncertainty,  did  you  ?"  said  the  visitor,  looking  at 
him  in  a  surprised  manner. 

"It  is  conventional  though, "said  Col.  Heartland,  "to — 

"I  care  nothing  about  that,"  interrupted  the  other ;  "I  am  through 
with  it,  and  I  am  glad  it  is  no  worse.  I  was  sorry  after  I  saw  her  that 
I  had  come  ;  but  it  makes  no  difference  as  it  has  turned  out  in  the  way 
it  has.  Pettybone  does  not  choose  wives  for  his  friends  like  he  does 
for  himself,  and  I  would  call  at  his  house  and  thank  him  if  I  did  not 
have  to  hurry  home  and  get  off  these  tight  clothes." 

He  resisted  all  Col.  Heatland's  attempts  to  induce  him  to  remain  t 
and  was  soon  on  his  way  home,  thinking  of  Bobbit  and  what  a  com 
fortable  thing  it  was  to  be  a  bachelor.  He  could  never  be  led  astray 
again.  But  Miss  Hubblestubble,  where  was  she  ?  Reaching  her 
room,  she  cast  herself  upon  her  bed  in  tears.  She  passionately  ex 
claimed: 

"God  curse  Major  Pettybone  for  his  suggestions.  What  if  Mr.  Aid- 
ridge  should  hear  it  ?  But  he  will  not,"  and  the  thought  consoled  her 
wounded  feelings  somewhat.  "I  will  myself  tell  him  I  had  an  offer, 
which  I  refused  for  his  dear  sake  ;  an  offer  from  a  man  of  wealth  and 
position.  He  need  not  know  who  it  is.  It  will  make  him  love  me  more, 
if  possible,  but  that  is  not  possible ;  any  way  it  will  connect  and  draw 
closer  the  love  between  us." 

She  wiped  her  weeping  eyes,  and  determined  to  make  capital  of  what 
she  at  first  thought  would  ruin  her  with  Aldridge. 

Col.  Heartland,  so  soon  as  the  guest  departed,  went  in  search  of  his 
daughter.  He  found  her  in  her  own  chamber  with  Ella  Woodford, 
looking  over  her  elegant  trousseau. 


I/6  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Are  you  pleased,  my  daughter?"  he  asked,  taking-  his  seat  on  her 
soft,  white  bed. 

"  Yes,  father,  very  much,"  she  said  sadly. 

"  I  wish  it  were  over  with,"  he  thought,  "it  is  telling  on  her  ;"  and 
he  looked  upon  her  pale  face, 

"  Miss  Ella,"  he  said,  offering  his  arm,  thus  endeavoring  to  raise  his 
daughter's  spirits  by  gallant  attention  to  her  companion,  "  will  you  not 
go  down  and  give  me  some  music?  Come,  Alice." 

"  I'll  be  down  after  a  little,"  said  his  daughter  with  a  smile  ;  "  that  is 
if  I'll  not  be  de  trop." 

"You  had  better  not  leave  us  young  people  too  long  together,"  re 
plied  he,  as  with  Miss  Ella  he  descended  the  stairs,  "  there  might  be 
another  marriage  in  the  family." 

When  they  reached  the  parlor  they  were  not  alone  ;  Miss  Hubble- 
stubble  was  already  there,  musing  upon  the  last  remark  of  the  wife- 
hunter,  and  the  surprise  she  had  in  store  for  them  all. 


TaJioc:  or  Life  in  California.  177 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


TWO    SAD    CALAMITIES. 

•'  On  horror's  head,  horrors  accumulate." 

The  evening  for  the  marriage  of  Alice  and  Major  Pettybone  had 
come,  and  the  guests  were  rapidly  assembling.  They  came  for  hun 
dreds  of  miles  and  from  every  direction.  A  letter  from  Mr.  Kirkland, 
of  San  Diego,  to  Col.  Heartland,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  both 
his  and  Alice's  letters,  lay  unanswered  on  his  daughter's  table.  He 
expressed  his  thanks  for  the  sympathizing  letter  his  friend  had  written 
in  San  Francisco,  and  his  regrets  that  his  recent  affliction  prevented 
himself  and  wife  from  being  present  at  the  marriage,  and  closed  with 
a  benediction  upon  the  happy  pair.  Alice  stood  before  her  mirror, 
while  Ella  put  the  finishing  touch  to  her  toilet. 

"You  look  like  the  queen  of  the  fairies,"  she  said,  surveying  her; 
"  shall  I  tell  them  that  you  are  ready  ?" 

"  No,"  said  Alice,  "  not  yet.  Ella,  I  want  to  be  by  myself  just  a 
little  while  ;  will  you  go  into  the  next  room  ?  I  will  call  you  ;  and 
you  too,"  she  said  to  Bertina.  She  closed  and  locked  the  door  behind 
them  ;  then  falling  on  her  knees  at  her  bedside,  she  prayed  earnestly, 
for  strength  and  for  a  blessing,  then  arose  and  stood  before  her  mir 
ror.  "  I  feel  a  terrible  weight  about  my  heart,"  she  said.  "  I  wish  I 
could  get  rid  of  gloomy  forebodings.  Oh,  that  I  could  love  Major  Pet 
tybone  as  he  deserves  !"  She  glanced  at  the  gem  that  adorned  her 
finger,  then  at  the  set  of  pearls  ;  both  his  gifts.  She  took  the  ring 
from  her  finger,  and  was  about  to  snatch  the  pearls  from  her  neck, 
when  the  thought  came  :  "  This  will  never  do."  The  ring  fell  from 
her  nerveless  fingers  ;  she  stooped  and  tried  to  find  it,  but  could  not. 
"  I  must  do  something  to  calm  myself,"  she  said.  "I  must,  I  must 
and  will  go  to  my  mother's  grave  for  a  little,  just  a  little  while,"  and 
12 


178 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


she  went  out  on  the  gallery  through  the  open  window,  down  the  back 
stairway,  unobserved,  and  through  the  yard  to  the  garden.  The  light 
burned  in  the  tower,  and  shed  its  rays  over  her  bridal  dress  and  vail. 
The  music,  and  the  bustle  of  the  coming  guests,  were  unheard  as  she 
knelt  in  silent  prayer  on  her  mother's  grave. 

Ella  Woodford  waited,  as  Alice  requested,  to  be  called.  Time 
passed ;  the  hour  came,  and  Col.  Heartland  came  up  to  see  if  all  was 
ready.  Ella  stepped  to  her  friend's  door  and  gently  rapped.  It  was 
unanswered. 

"  She  does  not  wish  to  be  disturbed  just  now,"  she  said;  "wait  a 
little  while."  They  waited  again,  and  still  their  raps  were  unheeded. 
Col.  Heartland  tried  the  door  ;  it  was  locked.  He  called  gently  at 
first,  then  louder,  and  still  no  answer  came. 

"  Go  up  the  back  stairs,  Bertina,  and  open  the  door ;  my  daughter 
must  be  ill,"  he  said,  turning  very  pale.  He  could  stand  it  no  longer, 
Taking  the  bolt  firmly  in  one  hand  and  pushing  with  the  other,  he 
gave  the  door  a  blow  with  his  foot  that  broke  it  from  its  fastenings, 
and  they  entered  the  room.  Alice  was  nowhere  to  be  seen.  The 
bright  lights  burned  in  the  chandelier  ;  the  room  bore  evidences  of  her 
recent  occupancy,  but  the  heiress  of  Sierran  Villa  was  gone.  The 
agonized  father  flew  to  the  grave  of  his  wife,  where  once  before  he 
had  found  his  missing  child  ;  she  was  not  there.  "  Oh,  God  !  where 
can  she  be?"  he  cried,  as  he  ran  hither  and  thither  over  the  garden 
and  through  the  house.  Major  rettybone  and  Waldron  were  in  their 
dressing-room,  waiting  to  be  summoned,  while  the  minister  stood  in 
his  place  in  the  drawing-room.  The  cry  of  "  She  is  gone !  she  is 
gone  !"  passed  from  lip  to  lip.  Friends,  guests,  and  groom  expectant, 
rushed  wildly  forth  and  joined  in  the  hunt  for  the  absent  one,  but 
nothing,  not  even  a  trace,  of  her  could  be  found. 

"  What  is  this  ?"  said  the  frantic  father,  as,  picking  up  something 
from  the  ground,  he  placed  himself  where  the  light  from  the  tower 
could  fall  full  upon  it.  It  was  a  letter  addressed  to  Aldridge.  It  was 
hurriedly  opened  and  perused  by  the  distracted  parent.  It  read  thus : 

"Go  ahead,  old  boy;  I'll  keep  you  in  funds.  I've  every  confidence 
in  you  when  there's  deviltry  on  hand.  GRUBBS." 

The  note  found  near  the  spot  where  Kirkland  was  murdered  flashed 
upon  Col.  Heartland's  mind,  and  crumpling  this  one  in  his  hand,  he 
put  it  in  his  pocket,  and,  with  a  low  moan,  fell  senseless  to  the  ground. 
There  was  no  one  near  him.  He  lay  a  moment  unobserved,  when  a 
wild  cry  from  Griffin  brought  others  to  the  spot.  They  raised  the 
prostrate  form  and  bore  it  to  the  house,  placed  it  upon  a  bed  'and  sent 
for  Dr.  Brocker. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  179 

And  Major  Pettybone  ;  where  was  he  ?  He  had  joined  the  search, 
and  satisfied  himself  that  she  had  gone.  He  seated  himself  upon  the 
doorsteps,  hid  his  face  in  his  hands,  and  groaned  aloud : 

"  I  might  have  known  it,"  he  said  to  himself.  "  I  was  an  old  fool; 
I  am  the  only  person  who  knows  exactly  what  has  gone  with  her.  I 
saw  time  and  again  her  preference  for  that  fellow,  Aldridge ;  but  I  shut 
my  eyes  and  would  not  see.  I  thought,  I  fondly  hoped,  to  win  her,  and 
let  these  blind  hopes  lead  me  into  this  dilemma.  Love  is  a  curious 
thing;  it  will  make  a  fool  of  the  most  sensible  man  that  God  ever 
created.  But  I  can't,  I  cannot  stand  it !  Take  me  home !  take  me 
home !  Somebody  take  me  home !  I  am  unable  to  get  there  my 
self." 

Burleigh  wept  rivers  of  tears  as  he  assisted  Mr.  Waldron  to  put 
Major  Pettybone  in  the  carriage.  They  then  drove  to  Pettybone  Hall. 
The  road  was  full  of  departing  guests,  but  the  fleet  horses  of  Waldron's 
carriage  passed  them  all. 

Arrived  at  home,  the  lawyer  assisted  his  friend  to  his  room,  and 
Burleigh  undressed  him  and  put  him  to  bed.  He  seemed  stupified^ 
and  said  nothing  as  Waldron  told  him  he  must  go  back  to  the  villa  to 
see  how  Col.  Heartland  was. 

"  It  has  ruined  Pettybone,"  said  the  lawyer,  as,  seating  himself  in 
his  carriage,  he  ordered  it  back,  not  to  the  villa,  but  to  San  Francisco; 
"and  perhaps  killed  Heartland.  The  chief  beauty  of  Pettybone's 
character  was  his  unbounded  confidence  in,  and  unconcealed  admira 
tion  for,  women.  And  this  woman,  the  one  he  believed  in  and  loved 
so  devotedly,  this  paragon  of  his  heart,  has  been  the  one  to  deal  the 
fatal  blow.  Hatred  of  women  will  be  the  ruling  passion  of  his  breast, 
and  imbecility  is  his  doom." 

Where  was  Miss  Hubblestubble  in  the  excitement  ?  She  was  down 
stairs  receiving  the  guests,  watching  all  that  came,  hoping  each  one 
would  be  the  much  loved  Aldridge.  She  had  almost  despaired  of  his 
coming,  not  knowing  that,  at  the  especial  request  of  Major  Pettybone, 
no  card  had  been  sent  to  him. 

"  I  don't  see  why,"  she  thought,  "he  has  not  come.  He  told  me  at 
our  last  interview  that  he  would  be  sure  to  be  here ;  that  he  would 
come  early,  and  he  intended  to  devote  himself  to  me,  to  the  exclusion 
of  all  others,  during  the  entire  evening ;  and  that  the  day  was  not  far 
distant  when  he  hoped  to  take  his  place  by  my  side  for  life.  He  pic 
tured  in  such  glowing  terms  our  happy  home,  when  we  shall  be  wedded, 
he  promised  me  '  love  faithful,  true,  eternal.'  " 

Thus  was  she  thinking  when  the  alarm  was  sounded.  She  heard 
some  one  say,  as  she  commenced  with  the  rest  to  search  for  Alice, 


l8o  Takoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

that  Aldridge  had  eloped  with  the  expectant  bride.  She  was  bewil 
dered  ;  she  staggered,  then  regained  her  composure  sufficiently  to  fly 
to  her  room  and  await  results. 

"  It  cannot  be !  I  will  not  believe  it !  They  have  slandered  him  !" 
She  fell  upon  her  knees  and  prayed  aloud,  "  Oh,  God  !  let  not  this  be 
true !" 

Bertina  having  searched  everywhere  else  in  the  house,  rushed  franti 
cally  in  and  began  to  examine  Miss  Augusta's  room. 

"Be  gone,"  she  said,  and  took  her  by  the  nape  of  the  neck  and  land 
ed  her  in  the  hall,  then  closed  the  door  and  locked  it. 

For  two  days  Col.  Heartland  was  kept  under  the  influence  of  opiates. 
At  the  end  of  this  time  he  became  more  sensible  of  what  was  passing 
around  him,  for  the  doctor  thought  it  advisable  to  discontinue  the  use 
of  them.  As  soon  as  he  was  in  a  condition  to  listen  to  and  follow  ad 
vice,  the  careful  physician  urged  upon  him  the  importance  of  controll 
ing  himself,  as  the  least  excitement  at  any  time  might  aggravate  his 
heart  disease,  and  terminate  his  life.  The  doctor  then  gave  him  a  note 
that  had  come  for  him.  It  was  from  Alice,  and  contained  these  words  : 

"  DEAR  FATHER  :  Blame  me  not,  I  am  gone  to  marry  the  only  man 
I  can  ever  love.  Do  not  follow  me,  I  am  safe,  and  with  your  permis 
sion  will  come  home.  Your  loving  daughter, 

ALICE." 

•'That  villian  !"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "can  never  enter  my  door.  The 
base  fellow  is  incapable  of  any  right  feeling.  He  sought  my  child's  de 
struction  for  the  cursed  gold  that  has  fallen  to  my  lot.  Would  to  God 
I  had  been  a  poor  man!  Riches  have  been  the  cause  of  all  this  bitter, 
bitter  trouble.  If  I  had  been  the  possessor  of  only  sufficient  for  the 
necessities  of  life,  that  scoundrel  would  never  have  crossed  my  thresh 
old.  I  erred  in  my  course  in  regard  to  Alice's  education.  I  reared 
her  too  simple,  too  confiding.  I  could  not  bear  to  have  her  pure  heart 
filled  with  misgivings  toward  her  kind.  I  taught  her  to  think  well  of  the 
whole  world,  nor  let  one  ray  of  suspicion  penetrate  her  thought.  I 
shielded  her  from  the  impure  atmosphere  of  society.  I  did  wrong  ;  I 
should  have  warned  her  more  plainly,  more  earnestly.  I  did,  on  one 
occasion,  say  something  to  her  in  regard  to  this  very  man,  but  I  did  it 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  leave  the  impression  upon  her  mind  that  I  was 
prejudiced  against  strangers,  and  this  one  in  particular.  I  will  see  that 
he  is  disappointed.  My  home  is  my  daughter's  always,  but  I'll  none 
of  his  company.  I  hope  he  will  have  the  good  judgment  and  sense  to 
keep  out  of  my  sight.  I  will  not  long  be  here,  I  feel  "the  '  wine  of  life 
is  on  its  lees.'  I  long  for  the  repose  of  the  grave  ;  to  be  laid  beneath 
the  white  lilies,  by  the  side  of  my  wife.  I  would  that  Alice  were  there. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  181 

Far  would  I  rather  fold  her  small  white  hands  and  lay  her  away  to  rest, 
than  think  of  her  as  the  wife  of  that  man.  I  will  send  for  Waldron 
and  make  a  will.  He  shall  not  have  a  cent  of  the  money  for  which  he 
perpetrated  this  fiendish  act." 

"Bertina,"  he  said,  as  the  old  nurse  passed  the  door ;  she  came  in. 
He  read  her  the  note,  then  copying  it  with  a  pencil  he  said,  "take  that 
paper  to  Miss  Hubblestubble,"  handing  it  to  her,  "and  tell  Griffin  to 
come  to  me." 

Bertina  took  the  paper  and  sorrowfully  left  the  room.  She  delivered 
to  Griffin  Col.  Heartland's  message,  and  then  went  up-stairs,  saying.  "I 
don't  want  to  go  to  dat  'oman's  room  nider.  Last  time  I  be  dar  she 
treated  me  onpolite.  Guess  she  most  die  when  she  find  for  sure  dat 
Miss  Alice  dun  married  her  sweetheart.  I  ain't  goin'  dar.  She  look 
daggers  at  me  dis  mornin'  at  de  breakfast  table.  Massa  Heartland  ain't 
seen  her  since,  and  he  ain't  goin'  to  see  her  nudder."  She  slipped  the 
note  under  the  door  of  Miss  Hubblestubble's  room,  rapped  to  attract 
her  attention,  and  retreated. 

"Griffin,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  as  Griffin  entered  the  room,  "I  wish 
you  to  take  this  note  to  Major  Pettybone,"  and  he  placed  Alice's  note 
in  his  hand.  "This  letter,"  said  he,  handing  it  to  him,  is  to  be  mailed. 
It  is  to  Mr.  Waldron,  don't  get  them  exchanged." 

Griffin  bowed  and  left  him  alone. 

"It  is  too  bad,  too  bad,"  he  soliloquized,  "that  a  man  of  my  age 
should  be  left  alone  in  the  world,  robbed  of  my  only  stay,  by  this 
ruthless  invasion  into  my  family ;  that  I  should  be  thus  undone.  I  can 
scarcely  credit  my  senses.  My  much  loved  daughter,  the  idol  of  her 
father's  heart,  deserting  him  to  follow  this  villainous  wretch  as  his 
wife.  Oh,  kind  Heaven  !  Watch  over  and  protect  my  child  !  Lighten 
the  penalties  her  fault  must  necessarily  bring  upon  her  !  I  know  not 
what  to  do  or  which  way  to  turn.  I  would  follow  her  but  she  begs  me  not 
to,  and  tells  me  she  loves  this  accursed  of  all  God's  accursed  creatures. 
If  it  were  not  that  she  loves  him  I  would  fill  the  hands  of  justice  with 
the  evidence  I  hold,"  and  he  felt  for  the  crumpled  paper  in  his  pocket; 
satisfied  that  it  was  still  there,  he  continued,  "and  joyfully  see  him  ex 
piate  his  crime  on  the  gallows.  The  note  I  hold  is  a  reply  to  the  one 
we  found  near  the  murdered  Kirkland,  and  Aldridge  and  the  mur 
derer  are  evidently  in  league  with  each  other.  Alice  is  a  woman  and 
would  never  believe  in  the  guilt  of  her  husband.  The  more  he  was  per 
secuted  the  nearer  she  would  cling  to  him.  She  would  consider  him 
injured,  wronged,  and  would  follow  him  to  ruin,  degradation  and  mis 
ery.  I  feel  for  Pettybone.  I  know  he  is  a  ruined  man,  He  has  drunk 
the  cup  of  bitterness  to  its  dregs,  but  he  will  blame  my  child,  and  I 


1 82  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

cannot  brook  that.  It  will  in  a  manner  bar  our  friendship,  for  her  on 
whom  his  curse  will  rest  shall  never  receive  a  father's  censure.  With 
her  rest  her  father's  sorrow  and  her  father's  prayers." 

Thus  he  mused,  and  tears  flowed  from  his  eyes. 

Griffin  in  the  meantime  called  at  Pettybone  Hall,  and  delivered  the 
note  to  Burleigh,  who  carried  it  to  his  master's  room. 

Major  Pettybone  sat  in  an  armchair,  having  on  his  dressing 
gown  and  slippers.  His  shoulders  were  as  high  as  his  head,  and  his 
face  looked  gaunt  and  wan.  He  took  the  note  and  read  it,  then,  in  a 
squeaking  voice,  said  : 

"  I  knew  it ;  what  was  the  use  of  sending  this  thing  here  to  me  ?  I 
hate  women ;  I  will  never  speak  to  one  again.  Take  the  note  and 
burn  it  up.  I  want  no  female  handwriting  in  this  house.  Never  will  I 
see  one  again !" 

"  There,"  said  Burleigh,  as  he  walked  slowly  away ;  "  I  am  in  a 
purty  fix.  What  am  I  to  do  about  Cora?  The  devil's  had  an  earth 
quake,  and  the  wild's  to  pay.  He  just  said  he  never  wants  to  see  an 
other  female  gender,  and  no  wonder.  I  can't  fetch  her  here  for  sure, 
and  I  don't  know  what  upon  the  yearth  to  do." 

"  Griffin,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  early  next  morning,  "  take  this  check 
up  to  Miss  Hubblestubble.  Tell  her  it  is  for  her  salary  now  due,  and 
that  you  are  ready  to  take  her  to  San  Francisco  ;  that  a  steamer  sails 
on  Saturday.  Then  come  down  and  get  the  carriage  ready ;  and  be 
sure,  Griffin,  to  see  that  that  blue  thankee-bag  goes  with  her.  I  don't 
want  it  left  here." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  said  Griffin,  and  he  disappeared.  In  a  few  moments  he 
returned,  and  said  :  "  I  can't  get  in.  The  door  is  locked.  I  hear  her 
walking  and  talking  in  dar ;  but  she  won't  open  de  door,  no  matter 
how  I  knocks." 

Col.  Heartland  leaned  on  Griffin's  shoulder  for  support,  bade  Ber- 
tina  follow,  and  went  up  stairs.  He  knocked  at  Miss  Hubblestub- 
ble's  chamber  door.  There  was  no  answer,  but  he  heard  her  laughing 
and  talking  in  a  strange,  wild  voice ;  then  she  would  break  forth  in 
snatches  of  songs,  and  then  resume  her  imaginary  conversation.  Col. 
Heartland  ordered  Griffin  to  prize  the  door ;  that  done,  they  entered 
the  room. 

Miss  Hubblestubble  paraded  the  floor  in  the  dress  she  wore  on  the 
evening  of  Alice's  elopement ;  her  hair  adorned  with  a  wreath  of  white 
lilies  strung  with  thread,  and  looped  down  her  back  until  tney  reached 
the  floor.  The  wild  eye  told  the  tale;  she  was  a  maniac.  She  waved 
her  blue  bag  towards  the  end  of  the  room,  and  said  : 

41  Yes,  Mr.  Aldridge ;  I  will  make  you  a  happy,  happy  wife.     You 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  183 

are  the  only  man  I  ever  loved.  Give  me  your  arm."  And  she  would 
walk  the  floor,  up  and  down,  as  if  he  were  beside  her.  "  They  told  me 
you  had  married  another.  I  believed  them  not.  It  is  even  written  on 
that  paper  there  (and  she  pointed  her  finger  towards  the  open  note  on 
the  bed) ;  but  I  knew  it  could  not  be  true,  though  the  false  minx  wrote 
it  herself.  I  spurned  the  idea,  and  I  was  right."  Then  she  would 
laugh  and  apparently  gaze  in  his  face ;  then  she  would  sing.  She 
took  no  notice  of  their  presence,  but  kept  on  walking  and  talking  in 
that  senseless,  wild  way. 

"  Was  she  down  to  breakfast  ?  "  asked  Col.  Heartland  of  Bertina. 

"  No,  sir;  nor  to  supper  last  night,  either. 

"  Something  must  be  done.  She  will  kill  herself  at  this  rate,"  said 
Col.  Heartland.  And,  closing  the  door,  he  sent  Griffin  for  Dr.  Brocker. 
He  looked  around  him  sadly,  and  seeing  the  door  of  his  daughter's 
room  ajar,  he  said,  "  Fasten  that  door." 

"  I  can't,  sir,"  said  Bertina;  "you  know  the  lock  was  broken." 

"  So  it  was,  so  it  was,"  he  said  ;  "  but  can't  you  go  inside  and  bar  it, 
then  come  down  the  back  way,  closing  the  blinds  after  you?  "  I  want 
the  arrangement  of  the  room  as  it  is — nothing  moved."  And  Bertina 
obeyed. 

Dr.  Brocker  came,  and  they  went  to  Miss  Hubblestubble's  room 
together.  She  did  not  observe  them,  but  talked  on  as  before.  This 
time  Aldridge  was  President  of  the  United  States,  and  she  receiving 
at  the  White  House.  Had  it  not  been  so  sad,  it  would  have  been 
amusing  to  see  her  courtesying  right  and  left  to  the  imaginary  foreign 
ministers  and  attaches,  and  welcoming  them  to  her  house  as  she  called 
each  by  name. 

"  It  is  insanity,  hopeless  insanity,"  said  the  physician,  as,  all  unno 
ticed  by  her,  he  measured  out  an  anodyne. 

"  How  long  has  she  been  in  this  condition  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  I  don't  know,"  said  Col.  Heartland. 

•'  I  heard  her  yisterday  ebening,  soon  arter  I  fetched  her  dat  paper 
you  sent  her,"  said  Bertina. 

"  That  man,  Aldridge,  is  certainly  the  cause  of  her  trouble,"  said 
Dr.  Brocker,  "  for  she  connects  everything  with  him." 

He  added  a  little  red  liquid  to  the  mixture  to  give  it  the  appearance 
of  wine.  He  then  took  a  glass  of  water,  also  colored,  and  walking  up 
to  her  said,  with  the  gallantry  of  a  briefless  lawyer  or  a  deputized 
steamboat  captain,  "  Mrs.  Aldridge,  allow  me  to  drink  your  very  good 
health." 

He  handed  her  the  glass  containing  the  medicine,  and  raised  the 
other  to  his  lips.  She  took  the  glass  and  drained  it. 


184  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"Thank  you,  my  lord,"  she  said;  and  handing  the  glass  back  to 
him,  passed  on  to  her  imaginary  guests. 

"  Did  I  not  do  that  nicely  ?  "  said  he,  smiling,  to  Col.  Heartland. 

"  You  did,  indeed,"  said  the  Colonel ;  "and  I  think  you  are  the  very 
man  that  should  be  in  charge  of  a  lunatic  asylum.  It  is  a  wonder  you 
don't  seek  the  place  ;  i:  is  a  paying  one." 

"  I  never  seek  anything,  Colonel." 

"  Then  I  am  going  to  recommend  you  for  it. — Listen  !  " 

They  both  turned  and  heard  Miss  Hubblestubble  dismissing  her 
guest.  Lord  this,  and  Count  that,  had  her  good  night  bow  and  smile  ; 
finally  the  last  was  gone,  and  she  walked  to  the  bed,  lay  down  upon  it, 
and  was  soon  asleep. 

Col.  Heartland  closed  the  door  and  led  the  way  to  his  library. 

"  I  do  not  know  what  to  do,  Doctor,"  said  he,  when  they  were 
seated. 

"  Send  her  to  the  asylum,  of  course,  until  her  relations  can  get 
her." 

"  She  has  no  relations  ;  and  how  can  I  get  her  to  the  asylum  ?" 

"  I  will  take  her,"  said  the  kind  hearted  but  pompous  doctor. 

"If  you  will  I  will  feel  under  obligations  the  rest  of  my  days,"  said 
Col.  Heartland,  gratefully.  "I  will  settle  an  annuity  upon  her  for  life, 
an  annuity  that  will  cover  all  her  expenses  and  afford  her  any  luxury. 
When  will  you  start  ?" 

"Now." 

"But  she  is  asleep." 

"I  want  her  to  be  asleep  ;  I  expect  to  keep  her  asleep  all  the  way;  so 
order  your  carriage,"  said  the  Doctor. 

The  carriage  came,  and  Bertina,  softened  by  the  pitiful  condition  of 
her  old  enemy,  made  everything  as  comfortable  as  possible  with  pil 
lows  and  shawls,  and  went  with  her  herself,  notwithstanding  Griffin's 
remonstrances  to  the  contrary,  and  fear  that  she  would  be  hurt.  "Be 
sides,"  said  she,  "maybe  I  might  get  to  see  my  baby  if  I  go  to  Stock 
ton." 

The  sleeping  woman  was  conveyed  to  the  carriage,  blue  bag  and  all, 
and  Bertina  and  the  Doctor  drove  off.  On  and  on  they  went.  As 
they  passed  Bobbit's  two  or  three  of  the  presidents  looked  into  the 
carriage  to  see  the  "coming  woman."  Mr.  Bobbit  stopped  the  Doc 
tor  and  inquired  all  about  it. 

"Poor  thing,  poor  thing !"  he  said. 

"Poor  thing,"  echoed  his  wife ;  "and  all  about  a  man,  too,"  she 
added  ;  "and  he  not  her  husband." 

They  drove  on,   and  it  was   time  for  the  medicine  to  be  renewed. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  185 

When  they  reached  the  wayside  house  of  "mine  host,"  they  stopped  to 
get  some  water  and  he  came  out.  He  recognized  her  at  once.  Inqui 
ries  were  answered,  and  the  host  again  congratulated  himself  on  his 
narrow  escape. 

"I  knowed  there  was  something  the  matter,"  said  he,  "or  she  never 
would  have  stood  in  her  own  light  so  much  as  not  to  marry  me.  She 
is  crazy,  poor  thing,  but  I  am  a  happy  bachelor,  and  I  will  try  and 
keep  this  case  and  Bobbit's  before  my  eyes,  and  remain  so." 

They  reached  the  asylum.  It  was  a  lovely  place,  and  our  lunatic  on 
awakening,  again  began  receiving  at  the  President's  house.  Her  imag 
inary  Mr.  Aldridge  was  consulted  about  everything.  He  was  intro 
duced  to  everybody ;  she  looked  upon  the  establishment  as  hers,  and 
treated  the  servants  as  her  servants  ;  the  resident  physician,  his  fam 
ily,  and  all  the  inmates  as  her  guests.  The  imaginary  wife  of  Ald- 
rige  was  a  happy  woman  at  last. 


1 86  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 


A    DOUBLY   DYED   VILLAIN. 

11  O  Spartan  dog  !     More  fell  than  anguished  hunger  on  the  sea. 

"  Miss  Heartland !"  and  Alice,  startled  in  her  kneeling  position, 
sprang  to  her  feet.  She  looked  in  the  direction  of  the  sound,  and  saw 
Aldridge  a  few  feet  from  her.  The  light  from  the  tower  shone  full 
upon  his  face. 

"  Why,"  said  she,  in  a  low  quivering  voice,  "  do  you  intrude  upon 
me  in  an  hour  like  this  ?" 

"  To  make  one  more  effort,"  he  said,  as  he  advanced  towards  her, 
"  to  save  you  from  the  misery  you  would  bring  upon  yourself  by  a 
marriage  in  no  way  suitable,  in  no  way  congenial."  Seeing  she  made 
no  reply,  he  continued  :  "  I  love  you,  Miss  Heartland.  I  love  you  with 
all  the  devotion  of  man's  nature.  I  would  sacrifice  life  itself  for  you, 
or  even  at  your  command,  and  if  I  knew  your  heart  was  in  the  matter, 
I  should  be  the  last  to  say  one  word.  I  would  still  the  pulsations  of 
my  own  for  your  sake,  and  quietly  submit.  But  when  I  know,  as  I 
do,  that  you  do  not  love  this  man,  I  cannot  but  come  to  the  rescue, 
even  at  this  late  hour,  and  beg  with  all  the  eloquence  at  my  command 
for  a  heart  for  which  I  would  give  all  I  ever  expect  to  have,  either  here 
or  hereafter.  Go  with  me,  and  you  will  never  regret  it.  I  will  encircle 
you  with  honor  and  love  for  the  rest  of  your  life." 

"  But  my  father,"  she  said,  hesitatingly.     "  It  would  break  his  heart." 

"  It  would  not ;  he  would  soon  recall  us.  The  separation  would 
only  be  temporary,  He  would  forgive  his  daughter.  The  love  he 
bears  for  her  is  not  so  easily  overcome.  I  honor  him  and  love  him,  too, 
and  so  soon  as  all  Major  Pettybone's  claims  are  set  aside,  his  preju 
dices  against  me  will  be  gone,  and  I  can  win  his  confidence.  Come 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California.  187 

with  me!  Oh,  come,  my  Alice  !"  and  he  sank  upon  his  knees  before 
her.  "  You  are  missed  ;  they  are  searching  for  you  ;  do  you  not  hear 
them  ?  Come,  let  us  fly  !" 

There  was  no  time  to  parley.  Alice's  head  fell  upon  his  shoulder, 
and  she  said : 

"  Take  me  !  I  am  yours  !" 

She  knew  nothing  more.  His  outstretched  arms  received  her,  and 
he  bore  her  rapidly  from  the  spot  towards  the  lake.  He  found  the 
little  boat  where  he  had  left  it.  Placing  his  lovely  almost  lifeless  bur 
den  in  it,  and  loosening  it  from  its  fastenings,  he  seized  the  oar  and 
glided  swiftly,  silently  away.  The  strokes  were  so  light  and  soft,  the 
sound  did  not  catch  the  air.  As  he  changed  the  oar  from  one  side  of 
the  boat  to  the  other,  a  few  refreshing  drops  dripped  from  it  into  her 
face.  It  revived  her,  and  she  asked  : 

"Where  am  I  ?     I  have  been  dreaming  a  most  horrible  dream." 

"  You  are  with  me,  darling,"  he  replied,  gently.  "  Do  not  fear  ;  all 
will  be  well." 

"  But  my  father !"  she  said,  and  fainted  again. 

The  little  shallop  skimmed  swiftly  over  the  "blue  lake's  heaving 
waters." 

"  Here  at  last."  said  Aldridge,  mooring  his  boat  to  the  shore,  more 
than  a  mile  from  the  villa,  up  the  side  of  the  lake,  when  he  raised  his 
voice  and  called  cautiously,  "  Grubbs  !" 

"  I  am  here,"  said  that  individual,  in  his  deep,  guttural  tones,  and  he 
came  towards  Aldridge. 

"You  got  her,  I  see,"  he  continued,  glancing  at  Alice's  still  form  in 
the  boat. 

"Yes ;  did  you  ever  know  me  to  fail  in  an  undertaking?"  he  said  ; 
"  but  we  have  no  time  to  lose.  Come,  assist  me  to  carry  her  to  the 
caboose." 

They  lifted  her  from  the  boat  and  bore  her,  insensible,  to  a  wagon 
covered  with  black,  and  drawn  by  two  spirited  horses  that  were  tied 
firmly  to  a  tree.  They  pawed  the  ground  and  grew  restless  as  they 
felt  the  wagon  move  when  Alice  was  being  placed  in  it. 

"  These  beasts  have  been  trying  to  run  away  for  two  hours,"  said 
Grubbs,  as  he  untied  the  reins. 

"  Let  them  run  now,"  said  Aldridge,  as,  throwing  a  dingy  blanket 
over  Alice,  he  took  a  seat  by  Grubbs'  side. 

The  horses  sprang  forward  down  the  glade  with  a  rapidity  that  was 
startling. 

" Do  you  know  the  way?"  asked  Aldridge. 

"  Every  foot  of  it/'  replied  his  companion. 


1 88  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Let  us  avoid  the  public  road  all  we  can." 

"All  right,"  said  Grubbs,  and  he  put  whip  to  his  horses. 

"  You  have  changes  of  horses,  have  you  not  ?  You  know  we  must 
travel  night  and  day.  We  must  reach  'Frisco  as  soon  as  possible,  and 
I  am  afraid  these  will  not  hold  out  at  this  rate." 

"  I  have  taken  care  of  that,"  replied  the  other.  "  I  have  three  as 
fine  pairs  as  were  ever  seen,  hitched  in  the  woods  at  different  places, 
ready.  I  never  do  things  in  half-way  style.  I  go  the  whole  hog  or 
none.  You  will  not  only  have  to  pay  hire  for  these  horses,  but  for  the 
beasts  themselves,  for  after  this  night  they  are  done  for." 

"I  care  not,"  said  Aldridge.     "Do  not  spare  them." 

They  went  furiously  on,  over  meadow,  hill  and  plain,  and  coming 
to  a  dense  thicket  they  stopped  to  change  horses,  then  went  bound 
ing  forward  as  before,  leaving  the  over-driven  horses  tied  to  the  tree 
from  which  they  had  taken  the  ones  they  now  drove. 

"  The  panting  beasts,"  said  Grubbs  ;  "  I'll  come  back  for  them  if  I 
get  a  chance.  If  I  don't,  then  let  them  perish.  You  will  be  able  to 
pay  the  owner  for  those  missing  brutes,  and  a  dozen  more,  at  no  dis 
tant  day." 

"  Hush,"  said  Aldridge ;  "  all  is  not  safe  yet." 

Alice  stirred  ;  he  took  her  hand  in  his.  "  We  -are  'most  there,"  he 
said,  "  so  cheer  up." 

She  was  sensible  of  all  around  her.  The  rough  jolting  of  the  wagon 
had  produced  a  reaction.  She  felt  bruised  and  sore,  but  answered 
him  not  a  word. 

He  took  a  pencil  and  piece  of  paper,  handed  it  to  her,  and  dictated 
a  note  to  her  father.  She  wrote  it.  He  held  a  bottle  of  chloroform 
to  her  nose,  and  she  slept.  Thus  night  and  day  passed.  It  was  day 
break  when  they  reached  the  city.  They  drove  in  front  of  the  court 
house.  Aldridge  left  Alice  in  the  caboose,  went  in  and  aroused  the 
sleepy  clerk.  The  man,  half  asleep  and  stupid  from  his  bacchanalian 
revels  the  night  before,  issued  the  marriage  license  for  which  Aldridge 
asked.  He  paid  for  it  and  left.  The  sleepy  official  returned  to  his 
couch,  grumbling  about  the  hard  lot  of  those  who,  like  himself,  were 
liable  to  have  their  rest  broken  at  any  time.  He  went  to  sleep,  nor 
remembered  he  had  issued  license  for  the  same  lady  only  a  few  days 
before. 

Aldridge  drove  to  the  mission  church,  and  called  upon  the  priest  to 
perform  the  marriage  ceremony. 

"  Is  the  lady  of  age  ?  "  said  the  reverend  father,  peeping  into  the 
covered  wagon.  He  was  on  his  way  from  early  mass  when  Aldridge 
accosted  him  and  stated  his  desire. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California,  189 

"  Yes,"  replied  Aldridge. 

"  I  don't  believe  it,"  said  he,  looking  at  Alice.  "  I  don't  believe  a 
word  of  it.  Something  wrong  here,  and  I  cannot,  will  not,  officiate.'' 

Aldridge  felt  like  felling  him  to  the  earth,  but  he  knew  it  was  no 
time  for  him  to  get  into  trouble  of  any  kind.  Controlling  himself,  he 
replied : 

"  I'll  bring  your  reverence  proof  of  that  directly  ;  "  and,  saf'sfied  that 
the  suspicions  of  the  priest  were  quieted,  he  drove  on  to  the  office  of 
a  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

The  missionary  gave  a  parting  glance  at  Grubbs.  "  Be  back  again 
directly,  indeed,"  thought  he.  "  I'll  never  see  them  again,  and  never 
want  to,  at  least,  one  of  them.  That  man — no,  it  was  not,  could  not 
be,  a  man.  It  was  a  fiend  incarnate.  God  never  created  it  for  a  man. 
It  is  a  counterfeit  of  the  noble  being  that  wears  His  image,  and  a  most 
terrible  counterfeit  he  is.  The  human  countenance  is  the  truest  index 
to  the  human  heart,  and  when  he  who  bears  the  face  of  man  degrades 
himself  by  vile  thoughts  and  viler  actions,  when  he  entertains  as 
guests  in  the  inner  chamber  of  his  heart  the  arch  enemies  of  his  great 
Creator,  and  allows  them  to  hold  their  high  revels  there,  he  expels  the 
better  spirits  from  the  places  they  fain  would  hold,  and  drives  them 
ruthlessly  from  him.  They  leave  no  trace  behind.  The  brow  is 
clouded,  and  the  whole  expression  wears  the  impress  of  the  heart's 
occupants,  while  malice,  low  and  venomous,  gleams  from  the  eye. 
Such  a  creature  is  he  who  drove  that  wagon.  God  grant  I  may  never 
see  his  like  again.  But  the  lady — so  young,  so  beautiful — who  can 
she  be  ?  How  comes  she  there  ?  She  looked  as  if  the  angels  in  sor 
row  watched  her,  and  she  had  gazed  into  their  faces  and  caught  their 
sad,  though  sweet,  expression.  That  other  fellow,  too,  who  can  he  be  ? 
what  his  motive  ?  His  sinister  face  and  serpent-like  eyes  I've  seen  be 
fore  somewhere,  I  do  not  remember  where.  Ah,  yes,  I  remember  now; 
I've  seen  him  of  late  about  San  Francisco.  I  encountered  him  in  a  drive 
one  evening,  and  yourrg  Woodford  was  in  the  buggy  with  him.  I  was 
alone,  and  the  impolite  rascal  tried  to  drive  over  me,  and  had  not 
young  Woodford  seized  the  reins  just  in  time  to  avoid  it,  there  would 
have  been  a  collision,  in  spite  of  my  efforts  to  make  way  for  him ;  and 
now  he  wishes  to  profane  the  sacrament  of  matrimony  by  marrjing 
that  young  girl.  God  pity  her,  and  angels  weep  over  the  sacrifice  she 
makes."  The  good  father  shivered,  and  drew  his  mantle  more  closely 
around  him  as  he  walked  on. 

In  the  meantime,  the  party  had  reached  the  office  of  the  Justice  of 
the  Peace,  and  Aldridge,  after  calling  him  out,  requested  him  to  per 
form  the  marriage  ceremony. 


190  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

•'Have  you  license?"  he  asked,  eyeing  Alice. 

"Here  it  is,"  replied  Aldridge,  producing  it  and  placing  it  in  his 
hands. 

"The  names?"  said  the  officer. 

Aldridge  gave  them. 

He  hesitated.  "Can  it  be  possible,"  thought  he,  "that  this  is  Miss 
Heartland,  of  Lake  Tahoe,  of  whom  I  have  heard  so  much  ?  Only 
last  night  I  heard  some  young  gentlemen  planing  to  win  the  heiress ; 
how  they  should  obtain  access  to  her  society,  and  all  that  sort  of  thing. 
It  is  the  way  the  world  talks  about  those  to  whose  lot  worldly  goods 
have  fallen.  Such  a  young  lady  becomes  the  prey  of  fortune-hunting 
scoundrels,  who  are  too  lazy  to  work  for  the  living  they  are  not  too 
proud  to  obtain  by  marrying  a  woman  for  the  support  her  father  is 
able  to  afford  them.  Thus  riches  become  more  frequently  curses  than 
blessings  to  those  who  possess  them  ;  and  a  man  spends  his  life  often 
times  in  the  accumulation  of  that  which  proves  but  a  snare  to  those  he 
loves,  and  brings  misery  and  degradation  upon  his  children.  But  this 
cannot  be  the  Miss  Heartland  of  whom  I  am  thinking,  here  alone  with 
these  two  men  at  this  unseemly  hour  ;  besides  they  have  the  license, 
and  I  have  no  right  to  question  them,  and  there  is  my  fee,  and  — • 

"  Will  you  perform  the  ceremony?"  asked  Aldridge,  growing  impa 
tient. 

"Get  out  and  come  in,"  said  the  Justice,  whose  curiosity  was 
wrought  up  for  a  better  and  closer  inspection  of  Alice. 

"No,"  said  Aldridge,  "right  here,"  and  he  took  his  place  beside  the 
frightened  girl  in  the  wagon. 

The  officer  raised  one  side  of  the  covering  of  the  caboose  and  began 
the  customary  service  on  such  occasions,  when  accidentally  he  noticed 
Grubbs.  He  stopped  short  in  the  midst  of  a  sentence  and  drew  back 
as  if  in  horror. 

"Well,  go  on,"  said  Aldridge  angrily,  "what  are  you  stopping 
for  ?" 

Still  the  Justice  remained  silent,  with  a  furtive  glance  every  second 
or  two  towards  Grubbs. 

By  this  time  quite  a  crowd  had  collected  around  the  wagon,  and  all 
stopped  to  gaze  at  the  man  who  held  the  reins.  Aldridge  secretly 
chuckled  over  it,  as  it  saved  himself  and  Alice  from  scrutiny,  but 
Grubbs  grew  furious. 

"It's  the  last  time  I'll  be  caught  in  such  business,"  muttered  Grubbs  ; 
"we  ought  to  have  had  this  thing  over  before  light  instead  of  fooling 
about  all  over  the  city.  I  hate  to  be  gazed  at  in  this  manner." 

"Arrest  these  men,"  said  a  clear,   stern  voice,   and  four  policemen 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  191 

marched  up,  and  without  ceremony  took  possession  of  Grubbs,  Aid- 
ridge,  wagon  and  all. 

"To  the  police  headquarters,"  was  the  next  order;  "but  wait  a  mo 
ment,"  and  Waidron,  assisted  by  another,  took  the  swooning  Alice 
from  the  caboose.  "Now  drive  on,"  he  said  to  the  man  who  held  the 
reins.  And  Grubbs  and  Aldridge,  handcuffed  and  guarded,  were 
driven  out  of  sight.  Alice  was  placed  in  a  carriage  and  Waidron  seated 
himself  beside  her.  She  leaned  wearily,  almost  senselessly,  against 
the  cushions. 

"  Who  are  you  ?"  she  said,  but  before  he  could  reply,  she  added, 
"  Oh,  Mr.  Waidron  !  Where  are  you  taking  me  ?" 

"  To  your  father,"  he  said,  gently  ;  "  to  the  villa." 

"  Thank  Heaven  !"  and  she  fainted. 

Waidron  drove  to  the  house  of  a  lady  friend,  and  requesting  her  to 
accompany  him,  he  supplied  the  carriage  with  lunch  and  wine,  and 
ordering  the  coachman  to  drive  on,  he  set  out  on  his  return  with  Alice  to 
her  father's  home ;  nor  did  he  stop,  night  or  day,  until  the  light  in  the 
tower  gleamed  over  them,  and  his  lovely  charge  was  in  her  fond, 
crazed  father's  arms. 

On  their  way  they  passed  the  carriage  conveying  Miss  Hubblestubble 
to  Stockton,  but  did  not  know  it  at  the  time. 

Col.  Heartland's  surprise  and  joy  were  uncontrollable,  and  he  set 
about  reviving  his  delirious  child.  Waidron  gave  him  a  short  account 
of  the  capture  of  the  ruffians,  and  his  daughter's  release ;  then,  ac 
companied  by  his  female  friend,  returned  hastily  to  San  Francisco  to 
pursue  his  investigations. 


192  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER   XXXIII. 


THE   PRISONERS. 

11  A  felon's  cell — 

The  fittest  earthly  type  of  hell !" 

Grubbs,  muttering  and  grumbling  against  his  fate,  now  and  then 
trying  to  free  his  clumsy  hands  from  the  firm  grasp  of  his  steel  hand 
cuffs,  was  carried  on  to  prison,  followed,  on  the  way,  by  throngs  of 
boys  and  men,  eager  to  obtain  a  look  at  the  hideous  man-monster. 

"One  would  think,"  said  he,  "that  I  would  become  accustomed  to 
being  gazed  at  by  mobs  of  men  and  boys,  but  I  don't.  If  I  had  my 
way  with  that  priest  who  refused  his  services,  I  would  soon  land  him 
in  a  better  world,  '  from  sin  and  sorrow  free ;'  that  is,  if  old  St.  Peter 
would  open  the  gates  for  the  admission  of  such  a  creature.  It  is  not 
every  sanctimonious  face  that  can  claim  admittance  there.  I  expect, 
after  all  his  straight-jacket  way  of  walking  in  this  world,  when  life  is 
over  he  may  readily  find  the  broader  way,  and  a  heartier  welcome,  in 
a  warmer  place.  Conscience,  indeed  !" 

"  Yes,"  said  Aldridge  ;  "  conscience  has  ruined  many  a  man,  but  it 
has  never  hurt  you  or  me,  Grubbs,  and  never  will ;  but  here  we  are," 
and  they  were  drawn  up  in  front  of  the  police  headquarters. 

The  horses'  heads  were  turned,  and  the  wagon  rapidly  driven  off. 

When  they  entered  the  office,  Aldridge's  attention  was  first  attracted 
by  the  morning  paper  lying  upon  a  table.  Among  other  things,  his 
eyes  rested  upon  the  word,  "  Reward."  He  read  it.  A  large  sum 
was  offered  by  the  Governor  for  the  arrest  of  the  murderer  of  Kirkland, 
and  followed  by  a  much  larger  amount  by  Frank  Kirkland,  of  San 
Diego,  for  the  apprehension  and  conviction  of  the  assassin  of  his 
brother. 

"  I've  asked  no  questions,"  thought  Aldridge  ;  "but  I  do  not  doubt 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  193 

but  that  Grubbs  may  be  interested  in  this  in  some  way.  He  has  lost 
much  money  of  late  in  gambling,  besides  letting  me  have  some. 
However,  it  is  best  for  me  not  to  know  too  much  ;  but  I'll  show  this 
paper  to  him,  and  call  his  attention  to  that  little  paragraph,  so  he  may 
be  on  his  guard  as  to  what  he  says.  There  is  money  enough  offered 
here  to  place  every  detective  in  California  on  the  alert.  I  would  like 
to  obtain  this  nice  sum  myself,  but  he  has  been  my  ally  in  too  many 
deeds  of  darkness  for  me  to  risk  his  exposure.  If  I  thought  only 
Kirkland's  murder  would  be  investigated,  I  would  turn  State's  evidence 
against  him,  and  claim  the  promised  reward,  and  thus  rid  myself  of 
him  for  the  future,  for  he  has  been  heretofore,  and  will  ever  be  here 
after,  the  curse  of  my  life.  In  the  first  place,  I  dare  not  do  this,  for  I 
would  be  surely  involved  in  some  way  with  him.  I  dare  not  hope  it 
could  be  otherwise.  In  the  second  place,  I  am  under  arrest  as  well  as  he." 

He  nodded  to  the  paper.  Grubbs  took  the  hint  and  read.  Aldridge 
watched  him. 

"  He  is  guilty,"  he  thought ;  "  he  paled  and  trembled.  Great  God  ! 
In  the  eyes  of  the  law  I  am  involved  with  him,  for  when  one  crime  is 
unravelled  all  will  come  to  light ;  and  Waldron  on  the  track  too,"  and 
Aldridge  gave  up  all  hope. 

"  Of  what  are  we  charged  ?"  asked  Grubbs  of  the  officer,  as  they 
were  being  led  off  to  prison  to  await  a  trial. 

"  You  will  be  duly  notified,"  replied  the  man,  as  he  gave  them  in 
charge  to  the  jailer. 

Exhausted,  the  prisoners  fell  asleep  as  soon  as  they  were  locked  up 
in  their  quarters.  The  jailer  carried  them  their  dinner,  and  they  were 
still  sleeping.  He  awakened  Aldridge  first,  and  was  stooping  to  shake 
Grubbs,  when  Aldridge  gave  him  a  blow  on  the  head  with  the  heavy 
plate  that  contained  his  dinner.  The  man,  stunned  by  the  blow,  reeled 
and  fell.  Aldridge  rushed  out,  down  the  stairs,  into  the  street,  and, 
leaping  upon  a  horse  he  found  hitched  near-by,  rode  quickly  away. 
When  he  arrived  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city,  to  prevent  detection,  he 
turned  the  horse  loose  and  walked  on,  it  was  not  known  whither.  The 
jailer  recovered  himself  before  Grubbs  awoke— gave  the  alarm,  but  it 
was  too  late.  Citizens  and  police  united  in  the  search,  but  the  crim 
inal  was  nowhere  to  be  found ;  he  had  made  good  his  escape,  and 
Grubbs  was  left  to  suffer  alone.  The  papers  were  filled  with  accounts  of 
Aldridge's  complicity  in  the  crimes  charged  against  Grubbs,  and  many 
items  of  his  former  life  were  written,  some  true  and  others  false.  So 
ciety  was  astounded  that  the  much  flattered  cashier  of  the  robbed 
bank  should  turn  out  to  be  such  an  accomplished  villain  ;  but  he  was 
gone,  and  the  suppressed  wrath  of  an  offended  people  was  forced  to 
vent  itself  upon  the  poor,  deformed  and  hideous  wretch  who  lay  ironed 
down  in  his  secure  dungeon. 
13 


j  24  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


GRUBBS    DIES   WITH    A    HOPE. 

"  Life  is  real,  life  is  earnest, 

And  the  grave  is  not  its  goal  ; 

Dust  thou  art,  to  dust  returnest, 

Was  not  spoken  of  the  soul." 

Heavy  rewards  were  offered  for  the  apprehension  of  Aldridge  and 
his  delivery  to  the  authorities,  and  strict  search  made,  but  all  in  vain  ; 
he  had  evidently  left  the  country. 

The  trial  of  Grubbs  was  fixed  for  the  first  sitting  of  the  crim 
inal  court.  He  sent  for  Waldron,  and  asked  him  to  defend  him. 

"  I  have  a  large  amount  of  gold,"  said  he,  "  I  will  give  it  all  to  you. 
It  is  buried  on  an  island  in  the  Pacific,  and  I  will  even  tell  you  how  to 
get  it,  that  you  may  secure  yourself  beforehand.  I  know  I  have  no 
right  to  expect  you  to  believe  any  statement  I  may  make,  but  you  can 
go  and  see  for  yourself  that  I  speak  the  truth." 

"  Keep  your  gold  and  your  information,  too,"  replied  Waldron,  "  for 
I  expect,  in  this  case,  to  volunteer  to  assist  the  Commonwealth  attor 
ney  in  the  prosecution,"  and  he  walked  haughtily  away  from  the  dis 
gusting  criminal." 

"  An  honest  lawyer,"  thought  Grubbs,  "  an  honest  lawyer  !  Well,  in 
all  my  troubles,  and  they  have  been  many,  I  have  never  seen  or  heard  of 
one  before.  An  honest  lawyer,  humph  !  I  saved  that  gold  for  just  such 
an  emergency.  I  would  not  let  Aldridge  know  I  had  it,  and  denied 
myself,  oftentimes,  the  necessaries  of  life  that  I  might  keep  it.  and 
now  the  most  popular  lawyer  on  the  coast  gives  me  and  my  gold  the 
cold  shoulder,  and  deliberately  tells  me  he  intends  to  join  the  prosecu 
tion.  I  can  employ  some  one  else,  but  it  will  be  useless.  If  I  could 
have  bought  Waldron,  I  would  have  stood  some  chance  ;  but  all  hope 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  195 

is  gone,  and  I  might  as  well  confess.     Frank  Kirkland,  too,  has  em 
ployed  a  popular  lawyer,  from  Southern  California,  to  come  here  and 
prosecute  me.     All  the  dogs  of  war  are  turned  loose  against  me. 
Nature,  too,  has  done  her  part  to  degrade  and  debase  me.     This  un 
gainly  person  and  horrible  visage  is  in  keeping  with  the  life  I  have  led. 
The  influences  that  mould  our  lives  are  the  results  of  many  causes. 
Some  traits  are  hereditary,  some  are  engendered  by  surrounding  cir 
cumstances,  while  some  are  simply  the  consequences  of  neglect  in  our 
youth.     Evil  has  been  the  principal  ingredient  in  all  the  atmosphere  I 
have  ever  breathed,  while  the  sufferings  I  endured  in  my  childhood, 
from  neglect,  mental,  moral  and  physical,  would  arouse  pity  in  the 
hardest  heart  that  ever  beat  in  the  bosom  of  man,  and  draw  tears 
from  eyes  that  never  wept  before.     Spurned  and  despised  by  those  to 
whom  I  was  united  by  the  nearest  ties,  deserted  in  helpless  infancy,  given 
to  the  care  of  strangers,  an  outcast  child  of  want  and  shame,  with  no 
one  to  care  whether  the  path  I  trod  was  to  heaven  or  to  hell,  it  is  not 
to  be  supposed  I  should  be  other  than  I  am.     The  only  attention  I 
ever  received  was  the  four  years'  schooling  given  me  by  the  friend  I 
found  in  Virginia,  though,  really,  he  was  not  a  friend.     It  was  the 
glory  of  the  thing  he  sought.     It  was  pleasant  to  him  to  hear  how 
generous  he  had  been  to  take  a  poor  boy  and  send  him  to  school. 
After  all,  it  was  selfishness.     Men  are  not  wont  to  do  aught  except 
from  selfish  motives.     They  oftentimes  persuade  themselves  they  are 
acting  from  high  and  noble  principles,  when,  if  they  will  but  examine 
closely,  they  will  find  themselves  actuated  by  something  that  bears, 
either  directly  or  indirectly,  upon  their  own  interests.     Such  is  the 
world.     Each  man  is  for  himself,  after  all.     I  will  employ  the  best 
legal  talent  my  money  can  command.     I  have  no  hope  of  an  acquit 
tal,  but  perhaps  I  may  get  the  sympathy  of  the  jurors  to  an  extent 
that  will  induce  them  to  render  a  verdict  of  murder  in  the  second  de 
gree.     In  that  case  the  penalty  would  only  be  imprisonment  for  life 
and  hard  labor.     Then  the  chances  would  be  in  my  favor.     I  might 
be  pardoned,  or  effect  my  escape.     At  any  rate  I  will  do  my  best  to 
avoid  the  hangman's  noose.     In  case  I  fail,  I  must  meet  my  fate  like 
a  man.     However  it  may  result,  from  this  time  forward,  I  am  a  changed 
man.     I  will  never  again  harm  a  human  being  ;  I  will  never  again  ap 
propriate,  or  even  covet,  what  belongs  to  another.     I  repent — I  sin 
cerely  repent — my  past  misdoings.     I  wish  I  dared  ask  forgiveness  of 
my  Maker ;  but  I  dare  not.     I  feel  it  would  be  sacrilegious  in  me  to 
pray.     I  never  prayed  in  my  life.     I  was  never  taught  it  in  childhood. 
In  boyhood  I  was  a  scoffer  at  religion.     In  manhood  I  spent  my  time 
in  serving  the  devil ;  and  now  I  am  here  powerless,  forsaken,  charged 


196  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

with  the  highest  crime  known  to  human  law,  and,  worst  of  all,  guilty, 
and  afraid  to  pray." 

Thus  thought  Linton,  as,  in  his  gloomy  prison,  he  awaited  his  trial. 

The  day  came.  The  court-room  was  full  to  overflowing.  The 
prisoner  was  led  in,  and  the  attorneys  and  court  attaches  were  all  in 
their  proper  places.  Grubbs'  gold  had  purchased  for  him  the  services 
of  a  lawyer  of  ability.  Waldron  and  the  Commonwealth's  attorney 
stood  side  by  side  for  the  prosecution,  aided  by  the  attorney  employed 
by  Frank  Kirkland.  He  was  from  Southern  California,  and  his  fame 
reached  to  the  utmost  confines  of  the  State. 

Two  days  were  passed  over  in  examining  and  cross-examining  the 
witnesses.  Among  them  were  Col.  Heartland  and  Wee  Wing.  The 
latter  identified  him  by  the  missing  finger. 

"  Me  knowee  he.  He  gotee  papee  outee  Bossee  Heartee  deskee. 
Me  knowee  he.  No  fingee.  Whi !  Whi !  Whi !  "  said  he,  in  a 
frightened  voice,  crouching  behind  Col.  Heartland,  as  Grubbs  turned 
one  eye  upon  him.  "  Takee  me  wayee  !  Takee  me  wayee  1  Hekillee 
me  in  strange  countree  and  losee  me  soulee  !  He  sayee  big  bugee, 
likee  Bossee  Heartee.  Me  no  stayee  in  countree  with  big  bugee," 
and  crawling  under  the  desks,  he  made  his  way  from  the  court-room. 

During  all  this  time  Grubbs  presented  a  calm  exterior.  This  com 
posure  amounted  to  seeming  indifference.  Those  who  gazed  on  him 
from  curiosity  he  appeared  not  to  notice.  The  judge,  jury,  lawyers 
and  witnesses  he  looked  boldly  in  the  face.  But  there  was  one  before 
whom  he  cowered,  one  whose  eye  he  could  not  meet,  and  that  person 
was  Frank  Kirkland.  The  Eastern  murder  and  the  forgeries  were 
exposed  before  the  evidence  closed,  and  the  Commonwealth's  attorney 
proceeded  to  call  the  attention  of  the  jury  to  all  the  points  that  bore 
directly  on  young  Kirkland 's  murder,  and  sustained  the  position  he 
assumed  in  an  able  and  manly  manner.  Then  the  lawyer  from 
Southern  California  arose,  and,  in  a  speech  of  two  hours,  did  great 
credit  to  himself  and  the  cause  he  advocated.  Waldron's  turn  came 
next.  He  said  : 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  jury :  It  is  not,  and  has  not,  been  my  intention  to 
bring  into  the  prosecution  vindictiveness  and  personal  malice ;  but  for 
humanity's  sake,  and  the  honor  of  our  Commonwealth,  I  would  be 
glad  to  have  your  attention  for  a  few  moments.  The  gentlemen  pre 
ceding  me  have  sifted  the  evidence,  and  made  it  plain  to  your  minds 
that  the  prisoner  at  the  bar  is  the  perpetrator  of  this  foul  deed  of 
blood.  He  comes  before  you  charged  with  the  greatest  crime  known 
to  the  laws  of  our  land — murder ;  a  cold-blooded,  heartless  murder. 
The  murderer  of  a  young  and  unoffending  stranger,  who  came  from 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  197 

the  snow-clad  hills  of  New  Hampshire  to  make  his  home  in  our  sunny 
State.  He  had  left  his  native  mountains  far  behind  him  ;  he  had 
parted  from  a  fond  mother  and  loving  sisters  to  cast  his  lot  among  us. 
Just  upon  the  threshold  of  young  manhood,  ere  the  hopes  of  boy 
hood's  years  had  begun  to  fade,  before  the  stern  realities  of  actual 
life;  all  fresh  with  the  dews  of  life's  morning;  all  bright  with  the 
hopes  of  a  coming  future,  he  reached  our  favored  land.  A  fond 
brother  awaits  him  in  San  Diego  county,  where  rise  the  flower-clad 
hills  of  our  Southerncoast ;  where  summer  breezes  blow  perpetually, 
and  cold  Northern  mists  are  unknown.  Thitherward  his  course  is  bent, 
when  the  assassin  whets  his  dagger.  He  waylays  his  victim,  and  for 
a  little  paltry  gold,  plunges  his  glistening  steel  to  its  hilt,  and  draws 
from  the  heart  the  ruddy  drops  that  give  it  life.  Here,  far  away  from 
home  and  friends,  in  the  darkness  of  the  night,  with  a  mother's  kiss 
as  yet  fresh  upon  his  young  cheek,  he  breathes  out  his  tender  life. 
There  sits  the  blood-stained  criminal  before  you,  and  his  hands  are 
hardened,  not  by  honest  toil,  but  deep-dyed  and  blood-reeking  crimes. 
This  is  not  the  first  soul  he  has  winged  to  eternity.  Years  ago, 
upon  the  classic  hills  of  the  Old  Dominion,  upon  the  soil  that  contains 
the  precious  remains  of  our  immortal  Washington,  beneath  the  flag 
sporting  the  proudest  motto  that  ever  graced  a  warrior's  shield,  his 
dagger  drank  its  first  blood.  It  was  this  that  brought  him  to  our 
shores.  I  call  on  you  to  punish  this  criminal ;  to  render  a  verdict  in 
accordance  with  the  facts  in  the  case ;  to  weigh  well  the  evidence  you 
have  heard,  and  cheat  not  justice  of  her  dues.  Give  character  to  our 
State;  the  home  we  all  love  so  well,  upon  which  the  Almighty  has 
showered  His  choicest  blessings.  Let  it  be  known  that  it  is  safe  for  a 
stranger  to  come  within  the  limits  of  California ;  that  her  laws  cannot 
be  violated  with  impunity,  and  that  he  who  is  guilty  must  suffer  the 
penalty  of  his  guilt.  Let  travellers  feel  secure  and  know  they  will  be 
protected,  in  person  and  property,  as  they  journey  peaceably  along 
our  highways.  Prove  to  the  world  that  we  are  not  the  desperadoes 
they  deem  us  in  the  Eastern  States,  and  that  we  reward  merit  or 
punish  crime  as  readily  as  any  other  people.  You  made  the  laws  that 
govern  us,  and  it  is  not  only  your  province,  but  your  duty,  to  see  that 
they  are  enforced.  I  beg  of  you,  therefore,  that  you  will  do  your 
duty  to  humanity,  to  yourselves,  to  your  fellow-citizens,  to  your  God, 
and  to  the  beautiful  land  over  which  He  has  made  you  rulers." 

Linton's  lawyer  followed  with  his  defense.  He  brought  out  all  the 
extenuating  circumstances  he  could  to  bear  upon  the  cause  he  repre 
sented.  He  attempted  to  refute  the  evidence  at  every  point  and  prove 
his  client  guiltless.  He  endeavored  to  sustain  an  alibi,  and  said  he 
had  hoped  a  nolle  prosequi  would  have  been  the  result  on  the  first 


198  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

opening  of  the  case.  He  argued  with  the  jury  for  the  acquittal  of  the 
unfortunate  man  he  represented.  He  begged  them  to  consider  the 
ties  that  bind  man  to  man  in  the  holy  relation  of  friend  and  brother, 
to  carefully  consider  this  cause  in  all  its  bearings,  ere  they  condemned 
their  innocent  fellow-creature,  and  closed  with  an  appeal  that  would 
have  done  credit  to  a  far  better  cause. 

The  jury  received  the  charge  from  the  Judge  on  the  bench  and  re 
tired.  At  the  expiration  of  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  they  returned. 

A  death-like  stillness  reigned  over  the  crowded  room,  and  every 
head  bent  forward  to  catch  the  first  utterance. 

"  We,  the  jury,  find  the  prisoner  at  the  bar  guilty  of  murder  in  the 
first  degree,"  fell  upon  the  ears  of  the  eager  listeners. 

As  the  last  words  died  away  all  eyes  were  riveted  on  the  prisoner's 
face.  With  a  low  moan,  he  fell  to  the  floor,  and,  amid  the  shouts  of 
the  rabble,  was  borne  back  to  jail. 

Shut  within  his  prison  walls,  his  senses  slowly  returned,  and  with 
them  the  memory  of  each  deed  of  his  wicked  and  unprofitable  life. 
He  knew  the  sentence  of  death  had  been  passed  upon  him.  He  was 
not  ready  to  meet  his  God,  and  resolved  to  make  one  more  effort  to 
save  himself  from  the  doom  that  awaited  him.  He  sent  for  his  lawyer 
and  commissioned  him  to  go  to  the  Governor  and  intercede,  not  for 
justice  for  an  innocent  man,  but  for  mercy  for  a  guilty  one.  The 
Executive  was  inexorable,  but  granted  him  a  respite  for  a  few  days 
for  the  hardened,  guilty  soul  to  make  its  peace,  and  prepare  to  appear 
before  the  Almighty  tribunal. 

The  missionary  priest  was  sent  for,  and  in  the  condemned  criminal 
he  recognized  the  man  he  had  seen  twice  before,  and  from  whom  all 
his  instincts  so  revoltingly  turned. 

He  led  him,  where  he  dared  not  go  alone,  to  the  footstool  of  his 
Heavenly  Father.  When  they  arose  from  their  knees,  large  drops  of 
perspiration  stood  upon  his  bronzed  forehead.  His  whole  frame  shook 
in  agony,  and  amid  the  audible  beatings  of  his  heart  he  wept  aloud. 
Day  after  day  the  good  priest  visited  him,  and  peace  at  last  dawned 
upon  his  soul.  "  Can  it  be,"  he  would  say  to  the  reverend  father, 
"  can  it  be  that  God's  mercy  is  great  enough  to  reach  such  as  I  ?  Can 
supplication  from  a  heart  so  polluted  as  mine  reach  his  throne  ?  Can 
any  repentance,  however  great,  turn  aside  the  indignant  wrath  that  I 
so  justly  merit  ?  " 

The  missionary  consoled  him  with  the  assurance  that  God  was  all- 
powerful,  and  could  do  anything ;  all-merciful,  and  would  not  spurn 
from  his  feet  one  of  his  creatures,  however  debased  he  might  have 
been,  who  truly  repented,  and  with  a  sorrowing,  contrite  heart  be 
sought  his  forgiveness. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California. 

The  day  for  the  execution  came,  and  Linton,  alias  Grubbs,  was  led 
forth  to  the  scaffold.  The  reverend  father  walked  at  his  side  with 
bowed  head.  He  wore  the  habiliment  of  his  order.  He  took  his  seat 
beside  the  doomed  man  in  the  cart  that  contained  the  coffin,  while  on 
each  side  walked  the  guards  with  their  loaded  muskets.  Grubbs 
mounted  the  scaffold  with  a  firm,  deliberate 'step,  and  a  calm,  peaceful 
countenance  he  had  never  worn  before.  The  gibbet  was  out  of  the 
city's  limits.  Nature  never  appeared  grander  or  more  beautiful,  and 
the  sun  shone  with  a  dazzling  lustre  over  the  earth,  carpeted  with  the 
long,  wavy,  green  grass,  while  wild  flowers  were  scattered  in  rich 
profusion  around.  The  redwood  trees  stretched  their  giant  arms 
aloft,  and  from  their  leafy  bowers  the  songs  of  birds  floated  forth, 
sweet  and  silvery,  upon  the  gentle  breezes. 

The  crowd  that  had  followed  gathered  round  the  scaffold,  as  the 
doomed  man  stepped  forward  and  began  to  speak.  He  went  back  to  his 
earliest  recollections,  and  related  every  incident  in  his  life  up  to  the 
present  moment,  He  told  how  he  had  gone  on  from  bad  to  worse, 
until  he  had  reached  the  gallows.  His  confession  was  complete,  and 
covered  all  the  foul  deeds  of  his  misspent  life.  He  spoke  of  his  blood 
stained  hands,  of  the  wails  of  the  dying  and  the  pale  faces  of  the  dead. 
How,  at  midnight,  the  ghosts  of  the  murdered  ones  would  hover  over 
his  pillow,  and  he  could  not,  dare  not  sleep.  He  told  of  his  first  ac 
quaintance  with  Aidridge,  and  his  continued  connections  with  that 
bold,  bad  man.  How  he  had  rendered  him  assistance  in  his  flight 
with  Alice  Heartland.  He  thanked  God  that  in  that  he  was  foiled. 
He  confessed  to  many  a  crime  in  which  he  and  Aidridge  took  a  part 
when  suspicion  had  rested  on  other  and  innocent  parties,  and  those 
parties  had  suffered  the  penalties  of  guilt  while  the  real  criminals  trod 
the  earth  as  freemen.  How  he  had  dogged  the  steps  of  young  Kirk- 
land,  knowing  him  to  be  a  stranger  and  likely  to  have  money  ;  how  he 
had  waylaid  and  killed  him,  then  robbed  him  and  fled  ere  Major  Pet- 
tybone  and  Col.  Heartland  had  reached  the  place.  He  wound  up  with 
a  long  and  fervent  prayer,  a  prayer  filled  with  heartfelt  contrition  and 
faith  in  the  promises  of  God  to  sinners  that  repent. 

The  noose  was  adjusted  around  his  neck,  the  cap  drawn  over  his 
face,  and  at  a  signal  from  the  sheriff  the  trap  was  sprung,  and  Linton, 
alias  Grubbs,  swung  in  mid-air,  while  his  soul  took  its  flight  to  an  un 
known  and,  we  hope,  a  better  world. 

The  crowd  silently  and  slowly  moved  away.  They  came  to  jeer, 
but  the  recital  of  so  much  crime  caused  the  blood  to  run  cold  in  the 
veins  of  the  multitude,  and  they  retired  to  their  homes  to  wonder  and 
to  weep  over  human  depravity,  and  heart-sick  at  the  scene  they  had 
witnessed. 


2OO  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


TWO    WOMAN    HATERS. 
"  Frailty,  thy  name  is  woman." 

As  time  passed,  Major  Pettybone  grew  more  and  more  nervous, 
more  and  more  weary  of  life.  "  I  would  go  abroad,"  he  would  say, 
and  try  a  change  of  scenery,  of  air,  but  I  would  be  sure  to  meet 
women.  I  would  see  them  in  the  streets,  on  the  ship,  on  the  cars,  at 
the  hotels — In  fact,  everywhere.  I  could  not  stir  out  but  I  should 
come  in  contact  with  some  of  them,  and  I  really  believe  the  first  sight 
of  one  would  kill  me.  Here  I  am,  day  by  day,  dragging  out  a  miser 
able  existence,  yet  I  dare  not  rid  myself  of  the  life  that  has  become  so 
burdensome  to  me.  I  dare  not  free  my  soul  from  this  cumbersome 
carcass  that  is  drawing  it  towards  perdition,  Even  Burleigh  is  desert 
ing  me.  All  day  he  has  not  been  here.  I  will  ring  for  him  and  find  out 
what  is  the  matter.  I  suppose  he  is  offended  because  I  expressed  my 
self  so  antagonistic  to  females.  I  meant  it,  and  also  mean  that  he 
must  seek  another  home  if  he  intends  to  marry,  for  I  will  not  allow 
him  to  bring  his  wife  here,  I  do  not  like  to  tell  him  this  plainly,  for 
it  would  seem  as  if  I  was  soured  by  my  recent  misfortunes.  I  hope 
he  will  think  of  it  himself  and  act  accordingly.  Burleigh,  there  you 
are ;  come  in  and  give  an  account  of  yourself.  Where  have  you  been, 
and  why  have  my  comforts  been  so  neglected  ?  I  suppose  you  think 
I  am  Jesus  Christ,  do  you.  sir?" 

"  No,  sir,"  said  Burleigh,  looking  inquiringly  at  him.  "What  makes 
you  think  I  thought  you  were  Jesus  Christ !" 

'•  Because,  sir,  do  you  not  see,  I  have  not  where  to  lay  my  head?" 
he  said,  as  sternly  as  his  quivering  voice  would  permit. 

Burleigh  looked  slowly  around  at  the  bed,  and  saw  he  had  neglected 
to  replace  the  pillows  on  it  when  he  last  arranged  it.  He  took  them 
from  a  chair  in  the  corner  and  put  them  in  their  places. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  201 

"What  is  the  matter  with  you  ?"  crossly  inquired  his  master,  as 
Burleigh  sadly  took  a  chair  and  endeavored  to  sit  upon  the  small  of 
his  back.  Seeing  that  Burleigh  hesitated,  he  strode  up  in  front  of 
him  and  repeated,  "  What  is  the  matter  with  you  ?  Tell  me  instantly, 
or  I'll  dismiss  you  forthwith." 

Burleigh 's  lips  moved  as  if  he  would  speak,  but  tears  came  and 
choked  his  utterance.  At  length,  between  broken  sobs,  he  said  : 

"  I  wants  to  tell  you,  but  I  can't." 

"  It  is  about  a  woman  ;  I  knew  it  was,  so  out  with  it,"  said  his  mas 
ter,  "  all  the  trouble  that  falls  to  the  lot  of  man.  is  in  some  way  con 
nected  with  them." 

Thus  encouraged,  Burleigh  began  his  story. 

"  The  gray  mule  is  gone,  sir." 

"  Gone  where  ?"  asked  his  master, 

"  Down  the  road,  sir." 

"  How  came  she  out  of  the  barn-yard  ?" 

"  I  borrowed  her,  sir — " 

"  Borrowed  her  from  whom  ?" 

"From  you,  sir — she's  yourn." 

"  What  did  you  borrow  her  for  ?" 

"  To  go  to  miner  Parker's  on  some  business,"  said  he,  hesitatingly. 

"  Well,  why  didn't  you  bring  her  back  and  put  her  in  the  enclos 
ure  ?" 

"  'Cause,  sir,  she  wouldn't  bring  me  back  ;  she  dumped  me  every 
hundred  yards  all  the  way  back,"  and  he  looked  at  his  master  with 
half  closed  eyes. 

"Where  is  she  now?"  asked  Major  Pettybone. 

"  Last  time  she  dumped  me  she  kicked  up  her  heels  and  off  she  ran 
down  the  hill,  and  I  ain't  seen  her  since." 

"Well,"  queried  his  master,  "what  did  you  go  to  miner  Parker's 
for?" 

"  To  settle  that  business,"  said  Burleigh. 

"  Did  you  settle  satisfactorily  to  all  parties?"  inquired  Major  Petty- 
bone. 

"  I  hope  so  ;  I  am  perfectly  satisfied." 

"  What  did  she  say  ?  " 

"She  didn't  say  nothing." 

"  What  did  you  say  ?  " 

"  I  didn't  say  nothing ;  to  her  at  least." 

"  Who  did  you  see  ?  " 

"  I  saw  her." 

"  Who  else  ?  " 


2O2  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Her  mother." 

"  Who  else  ?" 

"  Her  sister." 

"  Who  else  ?  " 

"  Her  brother." 

"  Nonsense,  tell  me,  did  you  see  anyone  else  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  saw  her  father,  and  I  wish  I  hadn't." 

"What  had  he  to  say?"  continued  Major  Pettybone. 

"  He  didn't  say  nothing  at  first,  that  was  the  mischief  of  it." 

"  I  am  not  going  to  ask  you  another  question,  but  I  insist  upon  your 
telling  me  the  whole  story,  so  begin  at  once, "  and  Major  Pettybone 
leaned  back  in  his  armchair,  and  crossing  his  legs  assumed  a  listening 
attitude. 

Burleigh,  placing  his  feet  upon  the  round  of  his  chair,  and  putting 
his  finger  in  his  mouth  like  a  bashful  child,  began  his  tale  : 

"  I  knowed  you  wouldn't  let  Cora  come  here,  and  I  couldn't  leave 
you,  so  I  went  over  to  settle  the  difficulty.  I  didn't  want  to  hurt  a 
'oman's  feelings,  so  I  thought  I'd  just  fix  it  all  up  with  her  pa  ;  soon 
as  I  could  get  a  chance,  so  I  told  him  how — as  how — Miss  Alice — " 

"  Never  mention  that  name  in  my  presence  again,"  said  Major  Pet 
tybone  fiercely. 

"Well,"  continued  Burleigh,  trembling,  "I  told  him  how  impossible 
it  would  be  for  me  to  be  his  son-in-law,  and  asked  him  to  excuse  me 
as  polite  as  possible ;  he  then  asked  me  to  come  down  behind  the 
house  with  him  ;  I  followed  him,  expecting  nothing  else  but  he  would 
take  all  the  little  money  I  had  accumulated  to  pay  for  a  breach  of  prom 
ise.  I  was  thinking,  sir,  I  would  give  him  a  check  on  you  for  it  all, 
rather  than  have  the  thing  took  into  court  and  make  me  and  Miss  Cora 
so  public.  I  was  just  about  to  tell  him  so,  when  he  began  to  unwind  a 
long  wagon  whip  he  had  hid  behind  the  house,  and  I  began  to  get  as 
oneasy  as  a  turkey  gobbler  about  Christmas  times.  I  wish  I  had  worn 
my  thick  coat,  but  I  soon  found  it  would  have  done  no  good,  for  miner 
Parker  just  caught  my  coat  by  the  collar  and  dragged  it  off  in  a  hurry. 
The  old  whip  wrapped  round  and  round  me.  I  tried  to  bear  it,  'cause 
I  knowed  my  sin  had  been  very  great,  but  miner  Parker  laid  it  on  heavy, 
and  heavier  still,  and  jumped  a  foot  off  the  ground  every  pop.  Finally, 
forbearance  ceased  to  be  a  virtue,  and  I  made  one  spring  at  the  old  fel 
low  and  caught  him  round  the  waist,  arms  and  all,  and  held  him  so 
tight  his  whip  dragged  on  the  ground.  I  didn't  want  to  hurt  him,  but 
I  did  want  to  get  away  monstrous  bad.  I  knowed  it  was  no  use  to  ar 
gue  with  him,  and  tell  him  I  had  been  paid  plenty  for  what  I  couldn't 
help.  I  was  afraid  to  let  him  go,  for  I  knowed  he  would  go  at  it  again. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  203 

He  seemed  to  have  no  discretion  'bout  when  to  stop,  and  if  I  let  him 
go  he  would  catch  me  before  I  could  reach  the  gray  mule— confound 
her." 

"  Never  mind  the  gray  mule.  How  did  you  get  away  from  miner 
Parker?  " 

11  He  didn't  have  me,  I  had  him,"  replied  Burleigh,  with  a  surprised 
air. 

"  Well,  how  did  he  get  away  from  you  ?  " 

"  He  didn't  get  away,"  said  Burleigh. 

"Well,  go  ahead  with  your  story.  I  am  sorry  I  interrupted  you,  for 
I  will  never  get  you  back  on  the  track  again." 

"  Yes,  you  will ;  I  never  gets  off  the  track,  and  if  you  had  seen  me 
laying  flat  on  my  back  on  the  tracks  that  gray  mule  made  in  the  road, 
you  would  say  so,  too,"  said  Burleigh,  persistently. 

"You  are  incorrigible,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  impatiently. 

"  No,  sir,"  was  the  reply ;  "  I  am  in  pain — no  corrigible  'bout  it 
My  back  aches  dreadful,"  he  continued,  putting  his  hand  between  his 
shoulders  ;  "and  my  mouth,  too, "opening  it,  and  showing  that  two  of 
his  front  teeth  were  missing. 

"  How  did  it  end?" 

"Well,  I  helt  him,  as  I  told  you,  until  I  let  him  go." 

"  Indeed  !"  said  Major  Pettybone.  "  Well,  really  that  is  satisfac 
tory." 

"  No,  it  was'ent ;  I  called  his  son." 

"What  did  you  want  with  his  son  ?" 

"  To  help  me  let  his  father  go,  of  course." 

"  Did  he  assist  you  ?" 

"  No;,  he  said  he  guessed  dad  knowed  what  he  was  about,  and  he 
shouldn't  interfere.  Then  he  stood  about  with  his  hands  in  his 
pockets,  and  said  he  didn't  know  what  it  all  was  about,  and  he  didn't  care, 
but  if  dad  would  lay  on  a  couple  of  hundred  lashes  more,  he  would  not 
give  me  a  lick  amiss,  and  he  for  one  would  like  to  see  it.  as  I  had  bit 
his  sister  Cora  on  the  mouth  once  when  I  was  there.  He  no  sooner 
said  that  than  ole  Parker  gave  me  a  hit  in  the  mouth  with  the  back  of 
his  head,  that  sent  two  of  my  teeth  down  my  throat,  and  I  let  him  go 
without  anybody's  telling  me.  Then  he  commenced  frailingme  again 
for  kissing  his  daughter,  but  he  never  said  what  was  to  be  done  for 
her  kissing  me.  He  seemed  to  think  that  I  was  to  blame  for  the 
whole  thing,  and  flogged  me  'cordingly.  There  ain't  no  justice  in  that 
man,  and  he  can't  give  ignorance  as  an  excuse,  for  everybody  knows 
that  when  kissing  is  done  it  takes  two  to  do  it ;  that  is,  when  both  is 
willin'  like  we  was.  I  tried  to  tell  him  'bout  his  injustice,  but  he 
wouldn't  hear,  and  kept  laying  it  on  thick  and  fast.  I  took  to  my 


204  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

heels,  and  he  after  me,  cutting  me  every  step.  I  seed  Cora  with  the 
corner  of  her  apron  stuck  in  her  mouth,  her  face  red  as  fire,  and  just 
laughing  fit  to  kill  herself,  as  I  come  in  a  hurry  by  the  window.  I  hope 
I'll  never  see  that  gal  again  while  I  live." 

"  I  sincerely  hope  you  are  cured,  Burleigh,  of  your  admiration  for 
women,"  interposed  his  master. 

"  That  I  is  ;  I  never  wants  to  see  any  more.  That  gal  just  told  me 
she  never  would  love  but  only  me  the  last  time  we  talked  about  it,  and 
when  old  Parker  was  chasing  me  down  the  hill,  I  seed  that  Bill 
Smithers  gwine  into  the  house,  and  a  man  told  me  he  and  Cora  got 
married  this  morning  early.  Now,  look  at  the  justice  in  such  a  case. 
If  I  had  just  let  it  alone,  I  might  have  sued  her  for  breach  of  promise 
myself.  Women  ain't  particular  who  they  fool." 

"But,  perhaps,"  said  his  master,  "she  would  not  have  married  Bill 
Smithers  if  you  had  not  withdrawn  from  your  engagement." 

"  Looking  at  it  that  way,"  replied  Burleigh,  "  I  believe  I  would 
rathe"  it  would  be  as  it  is.  I  would  rather  be  flogged  a  dozen  times 
a  day  than  be  married  once  in  a  lifetime." 

"The  fellow  is  right,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  soliloquizing.  "Any 
thing  but  matrimony  for  me.  The  idea  of  being  tied  to  a  woman, 
and  never  knowing  what  kind  of  a  trick  she  is  going  to  play  you. 
Many  men  marry  twice  or  three  or  even  four  times,  each  time  hoping 
to  do  better ;  hoping  to  realize  their  ideals  in  each  successive  wife. 
It  is  strange  a  sensible  man  could  be  duped  more  than  once.  Even 
Burleigh  here  protests  he  has  more  sense  than  to  try  it  again,"  and 
turning  to  Burleigh,  he  said  :  "  You  may  go  now." 

"  I  don't  see  the  justice  in  this  thing,"  said  that  worthy,  slowly  rising 
and  leaving  the  room.  "  Here  I  am  beat  almost  to  death  for.  damag 
ing  the  heart  of  this  gal,  and  she  married  to  another  fellow  in  less 
time  than  it  takes  me  to  tell  it.  I  think  she  ought  to  have  waited  till  my 
back  got  well,  at  least.  I  ought  to  have  damages,  but  where's  my 
remedy?  I  would  not  come  in  old  Parker's  reach  again  for  the  whole 
of  creation.  I'll  grin  and  bear  it,  but  I'll  go  on  t'other  side  when 
women  come  on  this." 

"Women."  said  Major  Pettybone,  continuing  his  soliloquy,  "are 
alike,  the  world  over.  Be  their  station  high  or  low,  the  same  leading 
characteristics  of  their  nature  exhibit  themselves.  From  a  palace 
even  down  to  a  miner's  hut,  they  cannot  be  trusted.  I  will  spend  the 
remainder  of  my  days  in  peace  ;  in  the  quiet  privacy  of  my  own  home, 
and  no  female,  of  high  or  low  degree,  shall  cross  my  threshold.  1 
will  live  and  die  here  alone,  with  no  companion  but  Burleigh,  my 
books,  and  solitude." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  205 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 


''  Does  time  with  his  cold  wing  wither 
Each  feeling  that  once  was  dear?  " 

Time  passed  on.  The  father  became  the  constant  companion  of 
his  child.  His  kind  attention  and  affectionate  consideration  brought 
the  bloom  back  to  her  wan  cheeks  and  brightness  to  her  tear-stained 
eyes.  No  mention  was  ever  made  of  Aldridge,  nothing  said  of  the 
past  misfortunes.  He  complained  not.  His  daughter  never  knew  the 
struggle  through  which  her  much  loved  father  had  passed,  or  the  agony 
he  had  suffered  on  her  account.  How  he  lamented,  in  his  great,  noble 
heart,  the  cruel  misfortune  that  had  befallen  them,  and  how  grateful 
he  was  that  she  was  rescued  from  a  fate  that  would  have  brought 
lasting  disgrace  on  his  name — wretchedness  and  death  to  him,  to  say 
nothing  of  the  misery  and  degradation  that  came  so  near  being  hers. 
He  never  told  her  that  Aldridge  and  Ridgeway  were  the  same,  and 
that  twice  this  man  had  brought  sorrow  to  his  heart  and  home.  He 
forbade  the  servants  mentioning  to  Alice,  or  any  one  else,  anything 
connected  with  Aldridge  or  Major  Pettybone,  or  any  allusion  to  the 
past  whatsoever.  Thus  quiet  content,  if  not  cheerfulness  and  happi 
ness,  reigned  once  more  in  his  house. 

Griffin  and  Bertina  pursued  their  usual  avocations,  quietly  and  sadly 
at  first,  tripping  about  lightly  and  speaking  in  whispers.  Wee  Wing 
would  look  mournfully  into  Alice's  face  and  slowly  shake  his  head. 
He  vould  often  stop  his  work  and,  unasked,  bring  her  a  refreshing 
goblet  of  water,  sometimes  a  few  flowers,  at  others  rich,  purple  clusters 
of  grapes  or  other  fruits.  If  she  smiled  and  thanked  him,  he  would  ro 
his  way  with  a  lightened  heart  and  beaming  face.  If  a  tear  dimmed 
her  eye,  his  step  lost  its  elasticity  and  his  face  became  sad  as  he  crept 
silently  back  to  the  kitchen.  But  gradually  the  gloom  wore  off,  and 
things  were  soon  as  they  were  wont  to  be. 


206  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

Col.  Heartland  became  also  the  teacher  of  his  daughter.  They  read 
together  such  books  as  were  calculated  to  elevate  and  improve  the 
mind,  and  conversed  upon  subjects  connected  with  the  higher  arts  and 
literature.  They  rode  and  walked  together,  and  were  happy  in  the 
companionship  of  each  other. 

"  Father,  explain  the  word  Eldorado,  as  used  here,"  she  said,  one 
morning  in  the  library,  as  she  was  reading  aloud  to  him. 

"  There  was  an  old  story  of  early  times,  of  a  king  of  Manoa  by  that 
name.  He  was  fabulous,  of  course,  and  supposed  to  reside  in  the 
mythical  city  of  Manoa,  which  was  said  to  be  situated  on  the  Orinoko 
river,  in  the  northern  part  of  Venezuela,  in  South  America.  The 
houses  were  of  gold,  its  streets  paved  with  gold,  and  the  king  wore  a 
golden  crown ;  he,  as  well  as  his  subjects,  were  clad  in  golden  gar 
ments.  Their  food  was  of  gold,  and  their  drinks  sparkling  golden 
liquor.  Hence,  in  speaking  of  a  land  of  gold,  it  is  called  an  Eldorado. 
In  fact,  the  term  is  applied  to  any  country  that  is  prosperpous,  and 
where  money  is  plentiful." 

"  And  whence  the  name  California?  "  she  asked. 

"  There  are  several  stories  concerning  this,  my  daughter.  The  one 
least  plausible  is  that  this  State  was  called  for  the  heroine  of  an  old 
Spanish  romance,  which  was  a  very  popular  story  during  the  days  of 
Columbus,  and  much,  revered  by  the  sailors  and  navigators  of  those 
early  times.  In  this  story  California  was  the  Queen  of  the  Ama 
zons.  The  other,  and,  to  me,  the  probable  one,  is  that  the  name 
was  derived  from  the  two  Spanish  words,  '  caliente  fornalo,'  sig 
nifying  a  heated  furnace.  The  north  winds  that  sometimes  blow 
for  three  days  consecutively,  entitle  it  to  this  name ;  and  if  it  were  not 
for  the  extreme  dryness  of  the  atmosphere,  man  and  beast  could  not 
live  at  such  times." 

"  Yet,"  said  Alice,  "  the  Californian  never  seems  to  think  his  country 
too  warm  or  too  cold,  too  dry  or  too  wet." 

"  That  is  very  true,  and  it  is  this  th.it  has  given  California  her  repu 
tation  abroad — the  contentment  of  her  people.  Satisfied — 1  may  say 
delighted — with  their  country  themselves,  their  ideas  are  disseminated 
among  the  people  of  other  States  until  all  look  upon  California  as  the 
promised  land,  whose  borders  they  struggle  to  reach.  Such  is  the  in 
fluence  of  contentment.  It  is  like  a  contagion  that  spreads  around  us 
in  every  direction." 

"  I  have  often  thought,  father,  what  cause  any  one  has  to  be  discon 
tented  with  his  lot.  We  are  all  doing  well  if  we  could  but  realize  it." 

"  That  is  true,  my  daughter ;  and  I  am  rejoiced  you  take  that  view 
of  life.  There  are  many,  very  many,  indeed,  who  have  never  experi- 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  207 

enced  real  sorrow,  yet  who  have  never  been  contented  or  happy,  be 
cause  of  restless,  fault-finding  imagination,  over  which  they  have  no 
control.  If  one  thing  does  not  disturb  their  peace  of  mind,  another 
does.  If  it  is  not  the  past,  it  is  the  present  or  the  future.  Complaints 
and  misgivings  occupy  their  minds  continually.  Vagaries,  rather  than 
realities,  allow  no  repose  of  soul.  We  can  educate  ourselves  above 
these  things,  if  we  will,  as  well  as  teach  to  others  connected  with  us, 
without  an  effort,  the  way  to  contentment,  hence  to  happiness." 

"  Great,  indeed,  must  he  be  who  can  remove  thorns  from  the  paths 
of  his  fellow-beings,  though  they  be  imaginary  ones,"  said  Alice. 

"  Many  by  example  have  done  so,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "and  some 
have  written  their  ideas  and  cast  them  abroad  among  their  kind, 
strewing  benefits  along  the  human  pathway.  Among  such  works  is 
a  little  book  called  "  Little  Foxes  that  destroy  our  Vine  and  Fig  tree," 
by  Christopher  Crawfield.  I  will  get  it  for  you.  and  let  you  see  the 
good  it  is  capable  of  doing  mankind." 

••  I  should  like  it,  dear  father.  Perhaps  I  could  learn  much  from  it. 
I  like  that  class  of  reading  which,  while  it  instructs,  draws  our  minds 
to  higher  and  nobler  aims." 

"  We  should  all  strive  to  progress,  my  daughter ;  to  aim  higher  at 
each  succeeding  step.  That  man's  life  has  been  a  failure  who  has 
not  lifted  his  stricken  fellow-beings  up,  and  inspired  them  with  more 
elevated  desires ;  who  has  not  left  his  impress  upon  the  hearts  of  the 
weak  ones  about  him,  and  called  their  attention  to  a  better  creed — a 
creed  that  would  bring  to  them  strength,  light  and  life.  Christianity 
brings  all  these  with  it,  hence  he  who  disseminates  the  light  of  the 
Bible  over  the  world  lends  his  hand  and  heart  to  the  noblest  work.  He 
who  teaches  the  word  of  God  is  entitled  to  the  highest  honors  here, 
and  the  greatest  reward  hereafter." 

"There  are  those  now  in  distant  lands,  are  there  not  father,  who 
have  no  knowledge  of  God?  In  portions  of  China,  and  other  far  away 
climes,  where  the  light  of  the  gospel  has  not  yet  spread?" 

'Yes,  my  child;  but  even  in  those  far  away  countries,  at  least  in 
many  parts  of  them,  where  the  gospel  teachings  have  never  reached, 
there  is  an  inate  idea  of  the  true  and  living  God.  in  the  hearts  of  the 
otherwise  savage  people.  They  seem  to  reverence  an  unknown  and 
invisible  spirit,  upon  whom  they  rely  with  a  filial  affection  and  trust. 
The  heathen,  as  he  kneels  before  his  graven  god  of  wood  or  stone, 
sends  his  heart  and  mind  far  beyond,  to  the  unknown  God,  whose 
place  none  of  his  idols  can  supply;  and  while  he  can  not  understand, 
he  still  feels  the  great  want." 

"I  was  reading  the  other  day,  father,  Edwin  Arnold's  poems.     You 


2o8  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

know  the  King  of  Siam,  conferred  upon  him  the  Order  of  the  White 
Elephant,  and  wrote  him  a  letter  of  thanks  for  having  truthfully  rep 
resented  to  civilized  Europe,  the  teachings  and  life  of  Buddha,  who  is 
called  the  'Light  of  Asia.'  " 

"Yes,  I  remember,"  he  said,  taking  a  book  from  one  of  the  shelves, 
and  seating  himseif  by  his  daughter's  side.  "Here  is  the  poem  now;  it 
contains  the  story  of  an  Incarnate  God,  worshipped  and  believed  in 
six  hundred  years  before  the  birth  of  Christ.  You  know  the  promise 
was  given  in  the  Garden  of  Eden,  that  a  Deliverer  should  be  sent,  and 
as  a  tradition  of  the  flood  is  to  be  found  almost  among  all  nations, 
may  not  this  promise  have  been  traditionary  also?  Or,  perhaps,  may 
not  the  needs  and  wants  of  humanity,  or  rather  of  the  human  soul, 
even  among  these  lowly  ones,  have  engendered  the  idea  of  a  divine  in 
carnation?" 

"Yes,  and  the  teachings,  too,  so  closely  resemble  the  teachings  of  the 
Christian  religion,"  said  Alice. 

"See  these  lines,"  he  said,  pointing  out  the  passage: 

"Before  beginning,  and  without  an  end. 

As  space  eternal,  and  as  surety  sure, 

Is  fixed  a  Power  Divine,  that  moves  10  good." 

Could  there  be  a  better  description  of  Deity?  Does  it  not  agree 
with  the  description  and  attributes  of  the  Christian's  God?  Then 
again: 

"Who  thwarts  it,  loses,  and  who  serves  it,  gains; 
The  hidden  good  it  pays  with  peace  and  bliss, 
The  hidden  ill,  with  pain." 

"These  are,  in  effect,  the  same  promises  as  those  of  our  own 
Bible." 

"It  is  wonderful,"  said  she,  "being  an  Asiatic,  and  living  among  an 
idol  worshipping  people,  the  teachings  of  Buddha  should  be  what  they 
are." 

"And,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  "a  great  writer  and  thinker  has  said 
'the  purity  of  his  life  and  his  lofty  aims,  are  the  best  evidences  of 
his  trust  and  faith;'  and  it  is  the  best  of  proofs,  my  child,  to  us,  that 
there  is  innate  in  the  human  breast,  some  knowledge  of  God  that 
nothing  can  destroy;  some  secret  link  between  the  Creator  and  the 
creature,  that  time  and  circumstances  cannot  sever.  This  man,  all 
untutored  himself,  an  uninspired  teacher,  elevated  his  fellows  to 
heights  that  can  only  be  measured  by  comparing  them  to  the  degrada 
tion  in  which  he  found  them.  He  taught  them  a  creed  of  true  Chris 
tian  doctrine,  such  as  our  Christian  religion  now  enjoins  upon  its 
followers:  a  creed  of  'earnest  thought,  intellectual  activity,  persever- 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  2OQ 

ance  in  well  doing ;  a  harmless  livelihood,  upright  conduct,  high  aims, 
and  kindly  speech.'  All  this  he  did  without  the  hope  of  Christian 
ity  ;  following  righteousness  for  her  own  sake.  With  no  knowledge 
of  a  hereafter,  such  as  we  are  taught ;  no  belief  in  the  individual  soul 
and  its  future ;  knowing  nothing  of  the  relationship  between  God,  and 
those  whom  he  has  created,  and  the  great  hopes  that  cheer  us  on  for 
eternity,  this  sage  taught  these  duties  and  practiced  these  virtues, 
which  are  the  very  foundation  stones  of  all  moral  and  religious  worth; 
for  religion  without  them  would  be  but  a  mockery,  a  pretense,  from 
which  a  frowning  God  would  turn  his  face." 

"Look  at  this,  father,"  said  Alice,  pointing  to  the  close  of  Prince 
Guatama's  sermon,  as  set  forth  by  Arnold,  "this  'Light  of  Asia'  he 
calls  Guatama,  as  well  as  Buddha.  Read  it." 

Col.  Heartland  read  : 

"Enter  the  path  !  there  is  no  grief  like  hate  ! 

No  pains  like  passion,  no  deceit  like  sense  ! 
Enter  the  path  !    Far  hath  he  gone  whose  feet 

Tread  down  one  foul  offence, 
Enter  the  path  !    There  bloom  the  immortal  flowers 

Carpeting  all  the  way  with  joy  !    There    throng 
Sweetest  and  swiftest  hours  ! 

As  he  closed,  Alice  said  :  "Are  not  his  teachings  grand,  and  are  not 
the  consequences  comforting  and  consoling?  And,  after  all,  'the 
sweetest  and  swiftest  hours  will  throng.'  Our  sweet  hours,  father, 
are  always  the  swiftest." 

"Yes,  my  child,  and  — 

Bang  !  bang  !  And  two  loud  explosions  shook  the  house.  Colonej 
Heartland  and  Alice  sprang  to  their  feet.  They  looked  one  moment 
at  each  other,  and  the  father,  followed  by  the  daughter,  ran  in  the  di 
rection  whence  the  noise  came,  through  the  back  entrance  into  the 
kitchen.  The  air  was  freighted  with  the  odor  of  gunpowder.  Ber- 
tina  lay  upon  the  floor,  her  eyes  fixed,  and  her  hands  clasped  upon 
her  breast.  Her  chair  and  work  basket  were  overturned  beside  her, 
and  Wee  Wing  stood  at  the  kitchen  table,  silently  peeling  potatoes, 
nor  did  he  cease  his  work,  or  raise  his  eyes  as  Alice  and  her  father 
hurriedly  entered. 

"Oh,  Bertie  !"  said  Alice,  dropping  on  the  floor  beside  her  old  nurse. 
"Oh,  Bertie  !  who  has  done  this  ?  What  is  the  matter?  Some  water, 
quick  !  Oh,  father,  she  is  dead !"  she  exclaimed  as  Col.  Heartland 
handed  the  water. 

"He  no  deadee,"  said  Wee  Wing,  proceeding  with  his  work,  "he 
scaredee.  He  long  tongue  heap,  you  see,  ee." 

"What  is  the  meaning  of  this  ?"  asked  Colonel  Heartland  sternly,  as 
14 


2io  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

Bertina  began  to  show  signs  of  life.  "Who  did  it  ?  Answer  me,  in 
stantly  ?"  And  he  walked  to  the  now  cowering  Chinaman  ;  just  then 
he  discovered  the  bursted  and  ragged  remains  of  two  large  Chinese 
firecrackers  under  Bertina's  overturned  chaii.  "What  does  this 
mean  ?" 

"He  blowee  he  upee,  he  blowee  upee,"  said  Wee  Wing,  shrinking. 

"Did  you  do  it  ?"  asked  Colonel  Heartland,  "and  if  so,  why  did  you 
do  it?" 

"Me  no  blowee  he  upee  ;  me  lightee  matchee ;  me  putee  under 
chairee  ;  me  getee  awayee  ;  he  blowee  he  selfee  upee  ;  bangee  !  bangee! 
shuee,  Bertee  fallee  downee  on  flooree  likee  deadee ;  he  no  deadee, 
meanee.  Wee  !  Wee  !  Wee  !"  And  he  moved  behind  Colonel  Heart 
land,  as  he  saw  Bertina  getting  up  from  the  floor  with  the  assistance 
of  Alice. 

The  negress  looked  at  the  Chinaman  like  a  panther  ready  to  spring 
upon  her  prey.  Colonel  Heartland  ordered  her  peremptorily  from  the 
room.  She  sullenly  obeyed,  wiping  the  water  from  her  face  as  she 
went. 

"Tell  me  the  cause  of  this,  Wee  Wing?"  said  his  master,  almost 
smiling  in  spite  of  himself. 

"He  setee  heree ;  talkee  too  muchee,  all  timee.  Callee  Wee  Wing 
dogee,  negee,  all  timee.  No  keepee  outee  kitchen.  Long  tongee  heap. 
Wee  Wing  goee  Tahoee  Citee>  getee  firecrackee  blowee  upee;  keepee 
outee  kitchee." 

"You  must  not  do  that  again,  Wee  Wing,"  said  Colonel  Heartland 
as  Alice,  who  had  been  listening,  ran  laughing  away. 

"Me  no  doee  it.  Firecracker  blowee  upee,"  said  the  Chinaman  ele 
vating  his  eyes. 

Colonel  Heartland  passed  out  into  the  hall,  and  meeting  Griffin  he 
turned  him  back  and  went  to  find  Alice  and  Bertina.  The  negroes 
were  enraged  at  first,  but  Alice  laughing  so  heartily,  soon  brought 
smiles  to  their  black  faces,  and  it  had  been  many  months  since  so 
much  mirth  had  been  heard  in  Colonel  Heartland's  home. 

He  forbade  Griffin  and  Bertina  ever  saying  anything  about  the  mat 
ter  to  Wee  Wing,  and  told  them  any  attempt  at  revenge  on  the  China 
man  would  meet  with  his  disapprobation.  They  obeyed,  but  the  eye 
would  gleam  like  that  of  a  caged  tigress  at  times,  and  the  Chinaman 
would  shy  around  and  seek  a  safe  locality. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  21 


CHAPTER   XXXVII. 


"What  does  the  wanton  Fancy,  mean, 
By  such  strange,  illusive  scene  ?'' 

"Do  not  let  her  in,  if  it  is  a  woman,  Burleigh,"  and  Major  Pettybone 
watched  his  valet  go  to  the  door  to  meet  an  approaching  carriage.  "I 
would  not  let  a  woman  get  into  my  house  for  the  whole  of  creation." 

"How  are  you,  my  friend,"  and  he  found  his  hand  grasped  by  Wal- 
dron. 

"I  am  better,  in  spite  of  myself,"  and  the  sour  expression  faded  from 
Major  Pettybone's  face,  as  he  looked  on  Waldron's  beaming  counten 
ance,  and  shook  his  hand  in  cordial  welcome.  "Fresh  water  and  a 
towel,"  he  said  to  Burleigh,  and  when  they  were  brought,  he  ordered 
refreshments,  for  he  knew  his  friend  had  journeyed  far.  He  already  felt 
his  genial  influence,  and  though  he  had  resolved,  time  and  again,  he 
would  have  no  earthly  attachments  of  any  kind  whatever,  he  felt  that 
Waldron  still  retained  his  old  place  in  his  heart,  and  that  he  was  glad 
indeed  of  this  unexpected  visit. 

"Well,  how  goes  the  world  with  you?  You  do  not  look  strong," 
he  said,  glancing  at  his  friend. 

"I  am  not ;  I  am  simply  awaiting  my  summons,  my  friend." 

"Why,  Pettybone,  I  never  thought  to  hear  that  from  your  lips.  I  beg 
of  you  not  to  be  so  gloomy.  Cheer  up  man,  cheer  up.  I've  brought 
a  nice  widow  friend  of  mine  from  San  Francisco,  with  me." 

"Where,  in  the  name  of  sense,  where?"  said  Major  Pettybone, 
springing  hastily  to  his  feet  and  looking  around  him.  . 

"Don't  be  excited,"  replied  the  lawyer  quizzically,  she  is  not  here,  but 
gone  on  to  Woodford's.  She  will  be  at  Heartland's  to-morrow.  It  is 
the  same  lady  who  aided  me  in  bringing  Miss  Alice  home.  She 
is  young  and  beautiful,  and  good,  and  was  too  circumspect  to  come 
with  me  to  a  bachelor's  house." 


212  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"Thank  heaven  for  that !  I  did  not  want  her  here,"  replied  his  host, 
with  a  sigh  of  relief. 

"But  you  will  call  on  her?"  asked  his  friend. 

"Indeed  I'll  not ;  I'll  never  call  on  another  woman  while  I  live." 

"Yes,  you  will.  I  intend  you  and  Col.  Heartland  shall  both  pay  her 
some  attention.  She  is  a  lovely  woman.  I  want  to  stir  you  both  out 
while  I  am  here.  This  is  foolish,  Pettybone.  I  have  heard  how  you 
have  been  acting.  When  did  you  see  Heartland?" 

"Not  since  —   ,"  and  Major  Pettybone  paused. 

"Is  it  possible,"  said  Waldron.  "I  am  going  over  there  in  the  morn 
ing  and  I  claim  your  company." 

"I  cannot  possibly  go  ;  I  will  not,  so  do  not  ask  me,"  replied  he,  much 
agitated. 

"Well,  well;  never  mind;  I'll  not  argue  it,"  he  said  growing  more 
serious.  He  pulled  out  his  handkerchief  and  a  small,  dark  kid  glove 
fell  upon  the  floor. 

"Is  that  a  woman's  glove  in  my  h<>use?"  asked  the  Major,  eyeing  it 
nervously. 

"It  is  the  widow's,"  said  Waldron,  laughing.  "She  gave  it  to  me  to 
keep,  and  when  we  parted  I  forgot  to  give  it  to  her." 

"Burleigh,"  said  the  Major,  "bring  the  tongs  here  quickly;  now  take 
that  article  of  female  attire  in  those  tongs  and  carry  it  down  to  the 
fence  and  throw  it  into  the  road.  It  shall  not  stay  in  my  house." 

Waldron  convulsed  with  laughter,  snatched  the  offending  glove  from 
the  tongs,  and  put  it  in  his  pocket. 

"I  am  sorry,  Waldron,  you  mentioned  this  widow,  or  any  other  fe 
male  to  me.  I  never  wish  to  hear  of  one,  and  I  certainly  will  never 
see  one.  My  feelings  were  terribly  harassed,  yesterday,  by  the  recep 
tion  of  a  letter  from  a  lawyer,  in  the  East,  saying  that  an  old  friend  of 
mine  had  died,  leaving  the  guardianship  of  his  child  to  me,  and  that 
child  a  girl.  'O,  angels^  and  ministers  of  grace,  defend  us  !'  It  com 
pletely  unstrung  my  nerves.  I  will  not  recover  from  it  for  a  month. 
I  take  a  girl  to  raise  !  Not  while  I  have  any  sense  left.  People  should 
be  more  considerate  of  the  feelings  of  their  friends,  than  to  make  such 
requests,  even  if  they  are  dying.  I  did  control  myself  long  enough  to 
reply  to  the  letter,  but  it  completely  prostrated  me.  Poor  fellow  !  I 
loved  him  well,  and  if  his  child  were  a  boy,  I  would  look  after  him, 
but  the  Lord  save  me  from  anybody's  girl !  So  don't,  Waldron,  don't 
say  anything  about  me  to  this  widow.  I  don't  want  her  to  take  any 
stock  in  me ;  for  if  she  took  a  notion,  she  would  see  me  in  spite  of 
creation.  If  a  widow  takes  a  fancy  to  a  man,  he  might  as  well  come 
out  and  surrender,  for  he  will  have  it  to  do  finally.  A  man  never  got 


TaJwt:  or  Life  in  California.  2 1 3 

ahead  of  a  woman  yet.  When  she  makes  a  trade  she  always  wants 
boot,  and  the  boot  must  be  twice  the  value  of  the  original  stock  in 
vested,"  and  he  breathed  hard  from  nervous  exhaustion.  He  arose 
and  went  to  his  room  to  recover  himself.  Waldron,  while  he  felt 
amused,  felt  uneasy  about  his  friend.  He  looked  haggard,  and  his 
mind  was  evidently  very  weak.  He  knew  it  would  do  no  good  to  ar 
gue  with  him,  but  he  resolved  to  lead  him  back  to  the  world,  if  possi 
ble.  "It  was  a  sad,  sad  blow,"  he  said  to  himself.  "It  was  a  sad 
blow,  but  he  must  try  and  forget  the  past,  and  live  for  the  present  and 
future.  I  wonder  if  Miss  Heartland  has  recovered  her  spirits  ?  But 
I  will  see  her  to-morrow,  for  my  relations  to  her  father  are  such  that 
she  will  receive  me  when  I  call  there,  though  I  am  told  she  has  lived 
a  very  secluded  life  since  her  unfortunate  love  affair.  Mrs.  Hopkins 
will  be  there,  and  she  is  life  itself.  Miss  Alice  is  a  noble,  pure  mind 
ed,  innocent  woman,  and  it  is  a  great  pity  she  got  into  a  scrape  of  that 
kind.  A  little  knowledge  of  the  world  would  have  saved  her  that  bit 
ter  experience.  That  scoundrel  was  killed  in  Tokio,  while  resisting 
the  officers  whom  the  detectives  had  put  upon  his  track.  I  will  tell 
Pettybone  and  Heartland  of  it.  To  Miss  Alice  I  shall  say  nothing 
about  it,  though  her  father  can  tell  her  if  he  sees  fit." 

Major  Pettybone  returned,  and  seating  himself  languidly,  Waldron 
said  gaily  : 

"I  have  some  good  news  to  tell  you,  my  friend,  in  regard  to  myself, 
as  soon  as  you  are  prepared  to  hear  it." 

Major  Pettybone  looked  seriously  and  uneasily  at  him.  His  happy 
face  divulged  the  truth.  Then  he  almost  screamed  : 

"You  are  not  going  to  marry  a  woman  ?" 

"Whom  else  should  I  marry  ?  Yes,  you  have  guessed  the  truth.  I 
am  up  here  for  that  purpose." 

"And  Miss  Heartland,"  said  Major  Pettybone  ;  "has  she  consent 
ed  ?"  he  added  wildly. 

Waldron  had  unexpectedly  struck  a  cord,  on  which  he  resolved  to 
play,  for  awhile,  at  least.  It  might  eventually  benefit  his  friend,  so  he 
said : 

"Time  will  tell.  I  hope  I  will  not  be  unfortunate.  I  am  extrava 
gantly  happy  now,  in  my  prospects ;  but  if  I  shall  be  deceived,  I  will 
act  the  man  about  it,  and  bear  with  fortitude  what  I  cannot  help. 
Two  days  more  of  suspense  and  my  happiness  will  be  sealed." 

"Two  days  !"  exclaimed  Major  Pettybone,  growing  ghastly. 

Waldron  saw  he  was  paining  his  friend,  but  he  also  saw  he  was  re 
viving  the  prostrate  feelings,  that  might  ultimately  bring  good  to  one 
he  appreciated  so  highly,  so  he  simply  said  : 


214  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  Yes,  such  is  the  case.  I  am  very  weary,  and  would  retire  now,  if 
it  suits  your  pleasure."  Major  Pettybone  told  Burleigh  to  show  him 
to  his  room.  The  good  nights  were  said,  and  Pettybone  was  left 
alone  to  his  reflections.  Waldron  thought  of  the  course  he  was  pur 
suing,  and  believing  he  was  acting  for  the  best,  murmured  to  himself : 
"  I  will  tell  him  all  to-morrow,  after  my  visit  to  the  Villa,"  and  he  gave 
himself  over  to  refreshing  sleep,  and  was  soon  busy  in  dreaming  of 
his  own  happiness. 

Not  so  Major  Pettybone.  He  went  to  his  room,  but  not  to  sleep. 
He  bathed  his  fevered  head,  he  walked  the  floor,  and  his  heart  ached 
as  he  never  thought  it  would  ache  again.  "  And  will  she  at  last,  be 
the  wife  of  another?"  he  said;  all  the  old  frenzied  love  returning. 
*'  And  that  other  Waldron?  The  fellow  talks  coolly  to  me  about  it.'1 
For  the  first  time  in  his  life,  he  felt  a  bitterness  towards  the  genial, 
warm-hearted  Waldron.  "  It  is  no  wonder  he  suggested  that  widow 
to  me  ;  and  two  more  days  !  Oh,  heaven,  how  can  I  stand  it  ?  Again 
I  have  been  a  dolt,  a  fool.  I  should  have  gone  back  long  ago,  and 
sought  the  love  that  should  have  been  mine.  She  will  love  Waldron 
with  a  purer,  holier  love,  because  he  sought  her,  after  he  had  a  knowl 
edge  of  all  that  had  passed.  He  has  soothed  the  lacerated  feelings, 
and  won  the  deepest,  best  and  strongest  affections  of  her  nature,  by 
sympathy  in  time  of  distress.  This  love  is  more  lasting,  it  is  more  to 
be  desired,  than  a  lighter  and  more  frivolous  attachment.  Oh,  God  ! 
I  wish  it  were  mine,  for  I  feel  life  a  burden  without  it.  It  might  have 
been  mine,  had  not  I,  in  my  own  selfish  bitterness,  failed  to  think 
properly-  of  her.  I  should  have  forgotten  and  forgiven  the  great 
wrong  she  did  me,  and  thought  less  of  myself.  Perhaps  then  her 
heart  would  have  warmed  towards  me,  and  I  would  not  have  been 
without  affection  in  my  declining  years.  I  will  soon  be  at  that  age 
when  man  must  lean  upon  something  that  loves  him.  Oh,  God  ! — 
but  then  I  must  have  some  pride  about  this  matter.  I  must  not  let 
Waldron  know  that  this  old  secret  still  rankles  in  my  heart.  I  must 
not  let  Miss  Heartland  know,  that  she  can  inflict  a  second  wound ; 
and  I  must  show  Col.  Heartland  that  I  have  never  noticed  his  studious 
avoidance,  I  may  say,  neglect.  I  will  throw  aside  all  remorse,  all 
bitterness.  I  will  go  with  Waldron  to  the  Villa  to-morrow,  I  will 
devote  my  time  to  Mrs.  Hopkins.  I  will  show  her  every  attention,  and 
let  Miss  Heartland  see  that  her  marriage  will  cause  me  to  regret  noth 
ing.  I  will  conquer  myself  in  this  thing  if  the  effort  kills  me."  Thus 
Major  Pettybone  passed  the  night,  and  reason  at  last  began  to  dawn 
upon  his  soul. 

"You  are  looking  better  this  morning,  my  friend,"   said  the  lawyer, 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  215 

as  he  followed  the  Major  to  the  breakfast  parlor.     "  I  hope  you  had  a 
good  night's  rest  ?" 

"  I  did,  and  feel  better ;  much  better  this  morning,  so  much  better 
that  I've  concluded  to  accept  your  invitation  to  accompany  you  to  the 
Villa  to-day.  Did  you  not  say  the  widow  would  be  there  ?" 

"  Yes,"  said  the  keen  observer  of  human  nature,  as  he  marked 
with  what  care,  Major  Pettybone  had  dressed  himself,  "  she  will  be 
there,  and  I  shall  be  so  pleased  to  introduce  you;"  then  he  thought 
•'  it  will  be  fine  fun  for  her  ;  she  would  want  no  better  sport,"  but  he 
kept  his  thoughts  to  himself  and  felt  flattered  to  think  what  a  change 
his  strategy  had  already  wrought  in  his  friend. 

.  Encouraged  by  the  interest  Major  Pettybone  manifested,  he  talked 
gaily  on  until  Burleigh  announced  that  the  carriage  was  in  waiting  at 
the  door,  to  convey  them  to  the  Villa.  Burleigh  watched  his  master's 
departure.  "  Umph  !"  he  exclaimed,  "  he's  dressed  up  ;  cloth  clothes- 
white  vest,  kid  gloves.  Gone  to  get  into  trouble  again." 


216  TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER    XXXVIII. 


"It  is  jealousy's  peculiar  nature 
To  swell  small  things  to  great,  nay,  out  of  naught 
To  conspire  much;  and  then  to  lose  its  reason 
Amid  the  hideous  phantoms  it  has  formed." 

Alice  and  Mrs,  Hopkins  were  seated  upon  the  sofa,  and  Col.  Heart 
land  in  a  large  chair,  in  front  of  them.  The  conversation  flagged  a. 
moment,  when  Mrs.  Hopkins  and  Col.  Heartland  both  noticed  the 
deadly  pallor  that  spread  like  a  flash  over  Alice's  face,  succeeded  by  a 
rich  crimson  color. 

"Two  gentlemen,"  she  said,  "are  coming,"  and  Col.  Heartland  arose 
and  went  to  meet  them,  while  Mrs.  Hopkins  peeped  through  the 
window. 

"One,"  she  said,  "is  Mr.  Waldron,  but  who  is  the  other?  O  !  he  is 
so  handsome  !"  and  she  cast  her  eyes  upward  and  laid  her  hand  upon 
her  heart,  as  only  widows  can. 

Major  Pettybone  shook  Col.  Heartland  cordially  by  the  hand,  spoke 
kindly  to  Griffin,  who  stood  gaping  in  the  hall,  and  following  his  host 
and  Waldron  into  the  parlor,  he  took  Alice's  hand  gently,  for  a  mo 
ment,  and  as  he  bowed  low,  was  presented  to  Mrs.  Hopkins.  He 
seated  himself  beside  the  latter  lady,  and  was  soon  engaged  in  a 
spirited  conversation. 

Waldron,  with  equal  gallantry,  took  possession  of  Alice,  and  Col- 
Heartland  conversed  first  with  one  couple  and  then  the  other.  Major 
Pettybone  had  made  no  more  than  one  or  two  casual  remarks  to 
Alice;  her  pride  came  to  her  relief,  and  she  gave  Waldron  her 
undivided  attention.  They  conversed  in  low  tones,  and  even  left  the 
room  for  a  short  promenade.  Major  Pettybone  suffered  agony,  but 
he  put  forth  all  his  conversational  powers  for  the  widow's  entertain 
ment,  and  sustained  his  apparent  indifference  to  the  last.  The  call 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  217 

ended,  he  shook  hands  gaily  with  his  new  acquaintance  and  promised 
to  call  upon  her,  when  he  next  visited  the  city.  He  took  Alice's 
hand  again  for  a  moment,  and  after  shaking  hands  with  Col.  Heart 
land,  and  a  "thank  you"  to  his  invitation  to  visit  them  again,  he  stood 
waiting  on  Waldron,  who  was  now  in  low  converse  with  their  host. 

"I  wish  you  all  the  happiness  possible,"  he  heard  Col.  Heartland 
say,  as  they  rejoined  the  party.  Adieus  were  again  spoken,  and  the 
gentlemen  left.  Alice's  heart  was  heavy.  Major  Pettybone's  indiffer 
ence  wounded  her  deeply,  and  tears  were  filling  her  eyes,  when  her 
father  said  : 

"Did  you  know  Waldron  will  marry  to-morrow  evening?" 

"Marry  !"  exclaimed  Alice  in  her  surprise,  forgetting  her  own  morti 
fication.  "Marry  !  whom  is  he  to  marry?" 

"My  little  sweet-heart,  Miss  Ella  Woodford." 

"I  knew  it,"  said  Mrs.  Hopkins,  "but  I  wanted  him  to  tell  it  him 
self.  I  came  up  with  him  to  be  present  at  the  marriage." 

"Ella  should  have  told  me,"  said  Alice,  pettishly.  "  It  seems  to  me 
there  are  no  such  things  as  friends.  Mr.  Waldron  had  a  half  dozen 
good  chances  to  tell  me  himself,  but  said  not  a  word  ahout  it."  Her 
mind  revetted  again  to  Major  Pettybone's  treatment,  and  tears  came 
to  her  eyes. 

"  Do  not  mind  it,  dear,"  said  Mrs.  Hopkins,  noticing  her  distress 
while  her  father,  a  keen  reader  of  human  nature,  drew  his  mortified 
child  to  his  own  heart.  In  his  secret  heart  he  rejoiced,  yet  feared  for 
the  results  of  these  manifestations, 

"Here's  a  note  for  Miss  Alice,"  said  Griffin,  coming  in.  Alice 
wiped  her  eyes,  and  looking  at  it  exclaimed :  "  It  is  from  Ella  ;  I 
thought  it  strange."  It  ran  thus  : 

"DEAR  ALICE:  I  have  been  trying  to  come  and  se£  you  for  two 
weeks,  to  tell  you  that  I  would  be  married  to-morrow  night,  but  could 
not  find  time.  Oh,  I've  been  so  busy!  I  told  Mrs.  Hopkins  not  to 
tell  you,  as  I  wanted  to  do  so  myself.  We  will  have  only  a  marriage ; 
no  further  ceremonies  or  display.  Then  we  will  leave  immediately  for 
San  Francisco.  I  would  have  told  you  earlier,  but  I  did  not  think  we 
would  be  married  for  several  months  yet,  but  Mr.  Waldron  seemed  so 
opposed  to  a  farther  postponement;  besides,  he  said  the  courts  came 
off  at  the  time  I  set  for  the  wedding,  and  it  would  be  very  inconven 
ient  for  him  to  leave  home.  So  you  see,  I  have  let  him  have  his  way, 
and  I  expect  he  will  want  to  rule  the  rest  of  his  life,  but  I  will  show 
him  about  that.  Do  return  with  Mrs.  Hopkins  this  evening.  Tell 
Col.  Heartland  I  waited  a  long  time  to  be  an  old  man's  darling— too 
bad,  too  bad!  Mr.  Waldron  will  bring  Major  Pettybone  over  to  see 
us  married.  I  hope  he  will  fall  in  love  with  Mrs.  Hopkins.  She  would 
just  suit  him,  and  it  will  be  pity  for  such  a  handsome,  gifted  man  to 
become  a  recluse ;  half  the  world  of  women  are  crazy  about  him,  too, 


218  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

though  many  of  them  have  never  seen  him,  but  only  heard  of  him. 
Gracious !  what  a  dash  he  could  cut,  if  he  only  wanted  to.  Come 
with  Mrs.  Hopkins.  I  send  this  by  the  carriage  that  goes  for  her.  I 
want  you  to  spend  the  last  day  I  stay  in  my  maiden  home  with  me. 
Tell  your  father  to  come  to-morrow  evening. 

Fondly,  devotedly,  truly,  everlastingly  and  happily  yours, 

ELLA  WOODFORD." 

Alice  read  the  note  and  handed  it  to  her  father.  Her  mind  was 
preoccupied  until  Mrs.  Hopkins  recalled  her  to  herself  by  saying,  "  I 
had  better  go  ;  will  you  not  go  with  me  ?" 

"Do  not  go  until  the  afternoon,"  said  father  and  daughter  in  one 
breath.  "  You  will  have  plenty  of  time  to  reach  Woodford's  before 
night,"  continued  Alice,  "  even  if  you  do  not  start  before  four  o'clock." 
Col.  Heartland  ordered  Griffin  to  have  the  horses  put  up,  and  the 
widow  reluctantly  consented  to  remain  a  few  hours  longer  beneath  the 
hospitable  roof.  Alice  became  so  abstracted  she  could  not  entertain  hen 
but  she  did  not  care  for  that,  for  Col.  Heartland's  musical  voice  and 
fine  conversational  powers  interested  her  exceedingly. 

Alice,  finding  that  she  was  unobserved,  stole  quietly  to  her  own 
room  to  think  awhile. 

"  Bertie,"  she  said,  "  don't  clean  up  in  here  any  more  to-day ;  I 
want  to  be  quiet,  just  a  little  while.  Please  go  down  stairs  and  find 
something  to  do  down  there." 

"  What's  de  matter  wid  my  baby  now  ?"  said  the  old  negress,  glan 
cing  at  Alice's  flushed  face  uneasily ;  "  got  feber  agin  ?" 

"  No ;  go  along  please  ;  I  only  want  to  be  quiet,  I  am  so  tired." 

Bertina  left  the  room  grumbling.  "  Don't  want  her  old  nuss  'bout 
her  'tall !  Wonder  what's  up  now  ?  Ain't  grebing  'bout  Mr.  Wal- 
dron,  I  hopes.  Dat  carriage  driber  down  stairs  says  dat  Mr.  Waldron 
am  going  to  marry  Miss  Ella  to-morrow  night.  I's  glad  of  it.  I  don't 
want  him  smirking  round  here ;  he's  too  smirky.  Den  I  don't  see 
why  dey  don't  let  my  poor  baby  'lone.  If  I  had  bin  Major  Pettybone 
I  would  neber  come  pokin'  back  here,  no  more,  after  all  dat  disgrace 
ful  discouragement  what  he  got.  People  does  curious  here  anyways. 
Now  dars  dat  widow  Hopkins,"  (she  continued  as  she  passed  the  par 
lor,)  "come  here  to  de  house  of  a  single  gem'men.  If  she  had  done 
sich  a  trick  in  Virginny  she  would  be  onrespected  the  rest  of  her  born 
life.  Dar  she  is  do,  just  spendin'  her  breath  tryin'  to  ketch  Massa 
Heartland,  and  I's  feered  she  mought ;  cause  she's  awful  purty  and 
smiling-like.  She  is  a  widder,  too,  which  am  a  great  advantage.  Now 
Miss  Hubble  was  an  ole  maid  and  powerful  humly.  But  a  widder 
knows  how  to  manage  things ;  besides,  a  gem'man  doesn't  want  to 
marry  any  'oman  'ceptin  ebery  oder  man  is  tryin'  to  get  her,  too.  A 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  219 

widder  can  make  'bleave  dey's  all  arter  her,  den  de  man  what  marries 
her  links  he's  done  wonders ;  when  p'aps  he's  got  some  ole  gal  what 
nobody  else  railly  wood  hab ;  but  he's  satisfactional,  kase  he  bleeved 
he  has  cut  de  last  one  of  dem  out.  Umph  !  Umph  !  Only  de  wim- 
men  knows  what  fools  men  be ;  and  dat  purty  widder,  in  dar,  knows 
betterer  dan  any  ob  dem,  I  bet.  Ah,  yes  !  Dat's  what's  de  matter  wid 
Miss  Alice,  de  widder  is  courtin'  her  pa.  I'll  tell  Griffin  'bout  it,"  and 
she  went  on  to  her  room. 

In  the  meantime,  Alice  Heartland  had  locked  her  door,  and  throw 
ing  herself  across  her  bed,  gave  way  to  her  pent-up  feelings.  "Oh  !" 
she  said,  between  her  sobs,  "everybody  seems  to  be  happy  except 
me.  I  wish  I  were  dead  ;  I  do,  I  do.  Major  Petiybone  has  forgot 
ten  all  the  past.  He  cares  nothing  for  me  now,  and  I  have  just  be 
gun  to  really  appreciate  him.  He  is  already  in  love  with  that  schem 
ing  widow.  She  says  she  came  up  here  to  be  present  at  Mr.  Wal- 
dron's  marriage,  but  I  do  not  believe  a  word  of  it.  I  am  learning 
something  of  the  world,  in  spite  of  my  father.  She  is  now  trying  to 
make  my  good  father  think  she  is  pleased  with  him,  but  it  is  to  de 
ceive  me.  She  is  after  Major  Pettybone,  and  no  one  else,  and  Mr. 
Waldron  is  scheming  for  her.  He  told  me  he  brought  him  here  to  see 
her  ;  that  he  hoped  he  would  fancy  her  ;  that  she  would  make  him  a 
good  wife,  and  all  that  sort  of  thing.  I  hate  that  lawyer,  yes,  I  do  ; 
and  I  hate  that  widow.  When  she  first  came,  I  felt  grateful  to  her 
for  coming  home  with  me  from  San  Francisco  that  time ;  but  now,  I 
hate  her.  She  is  full  of  plans  and  tricks.  Then  there  is  Ella,  whom 
I  have  always  loved  so  much,  in  her  happiness,  seems  to  have  for 
gotten  all  about  me.  She,  too,  is  trying  to  make  a  match  between 
Major  Pettybone  and  that  hateful,  designing  woman  down  stairs. 
Even  my  father  neglected  me  for  her  to-day.  Oh,  how  I  do  hate  her  ! 
Go  with  her  to  Ella's  this  evening  ?  No,  indeed  I  won't !  I  will  not 
go  there  at  all.  Yes,  I  will,  too,  because  if  I  don't  go  to  that  wedding. 
Major  Pettybone  will  think  I  am  grieving  because  of  Mr.  Waldron's 
marriage.  I  will  go  to-morrow  evening  to  the  marriage,  and  that's 
all.  I  will  show  him  and  all  the  rest  that  I  care  nothing  for  Mr.  Wal 
dron,  or  him  either.  I  am  sorry  I  talked  with  Mr.  Waldron  so  much, 
and  seemed  so  interested  in  him,  when  they  called  this  morning.  I  am 
afraid,  self-conceited  man  that  he  is,  he  will  think  I  fancy  him,  when  I 
was  only  doing  it  to  show  Major  Pettybone  I  did  not  care  how  much 
he  flirted  with  that  abominable  widow.  Pretty  indeed  !  Her  eyes  re 
mind  me  of  a  snake's.  I  am  afraid  Major  Pettybone  will  think  I  like 
Mr.  Waldron.  No,  I  reckon  he  will  think  Mr.  Waldron  was  telling 
me  about  his  expected  marriage.  Of  course  he  will,  but  I'll  play  the 


22O  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

indifferent.  I'll  show  them  all  to-morrow  night.  Yes,  and  I  heard 
him  tell  Mrs.  Hopkins  he  would  call  and  see  her  in  San  Francisco,  and 
if  he  goes  there  now,  it  will  be  to  see  her,  as  he  seldom  or  never  visits 
the  city.  She  came  up  here  to  toll  him  off,  and  between  herself  and 
Mr.  Waldron,  I  believe  they  will  do  it.  Oh  !  Oh  !  how  my  heart 
aches!" 

She  wept  and  was  truly  miserable.  Finally,  remembering  what 
was  due  her  guest,  she  arose  and  bathed  her  tear-stained  face,  pre 
paratory  to  going  below.  Standing  before  her  mirror,  she  saw  reflect 
ed  in  it,  something  gleaming  behind  her  on  the  floor — between  the 
wall  and  the  carpet,  at  the  farther  side  of  the  room— she  turned, 
crossed  the  room,  and  picked  it  up.  It  was  the  ring  that  Major  Petty, 
bone  had  given  her,  and  which  she  had  dropped  on  the  night  she  fled 
with  Aldridge.  She  gazed  sadly  on  it.  It  brought  back  to  memory 
the  many  vows  that  had  accompanied  the  gift.  "Oh  !  I'll  give  it  to 
him  to-morrow.  I  will,  and  show  how  little  I  care.  He  has  no  feel 
ing  for  me,  and  I  should  have  none  for  him."  Thus  thinking,  she 
put  the  ring  upon  her  finger,  turned  the  jewel  inward,  and  descend 
ing  the  stairs,  joined  Mrs.  Hopkins  and  her  father  in  the  parlor. 
They  were  as  much  interested  in  each  other  as  when  she  left, 
and  only  glancing  towards  them,  she  seated  herself  with  a  book. 
They  continued  conversing  pleasantly  until  dinner  was  announced. 

The  dinner  over,  Mrs.  Hopkins  prepared  to  return  to  Ella  Wood- 
ford's. 

"  Are  you  not  going  with  me  ?  "  she  asked  of  Alice. 

"  Not  now  ;  father  and  myself  will  be  over  to-morrow  evening. 
Tell  Ella  I  did  not  write  because  I  want  to  give  her  my  congratula 
tions  in  person." 

"  I  am  so  disappointed  that  you  will  not  go  to-day,"  she  said,  as  she 
kissed  Alice  sweetly. 

Col.  Heartland  escorted  her  to  the  carriage.  Seated  in  it,  she  said, 
smilingly : 

"  I'll  see  you  again  to-morrow  ;  till  then,  good-bye." 

She  placed  her  little,  soft,  white  hand  in  his,  looked  a  moment  in  his 
eyes,  and  ordered  the  coachman  to  drive  on. 

Col.  Heartland  stood  looking  after  the  carriage  until  it  left  his  en 
closure,  then  walked  slowly  back  to  the  house,  thinking : 

"  A  lovely,  attractive  woman,  indeed.  It  will  be  somewhat  lonely 
here  without  her.  I  almost  wish  she  had  not  come." 

He  retired  to  his  chamber,  and,  throwing  himself  across  the  bed, 
tried  to  sleep,  but  her  ringing,  silvery  voice  was  in  his  ears.  He 
mused  over  all  that  she  had  said.  He  took  a  book,  but  could  not  read. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  221 

Her  fair  face  and  sparkling  eyes  were  between  him  and  its  pages. 
For  once  in  his  life  he  forgot  his  daughter.  He  did  not  know  when 
darkness  closed  around  his  habitation.  He  walked  the  floor  until  a 
late  hour.  Suddenly  thinking  of  himself,  he  went  in  search  of  Alice. 
He  found  her  door  ajar,  and  entered.  She  lay  asleep  upon  her  bed, 
with  Ella  Woodford's  note  open  in  her  hand.  A  light  burning  upon  a 
stand  near  the  head  of  her  bed  threw  its  light  over  her  fair,  tear-stained 
features.  The  father  came  near,  and  leaning  over  his  child,  printed 
upon  her  still,  pink  lips  a  kiss.  A  sob  shook  her  frame.  "  I  have  a 
secret  from  my  father  again,"  she  murmured,  almost  inaudibly. 
"  When  I  did  not  love  Major  Pettybone  I  kept  it  from  him  ;  now  that 
I  love  him,  oh  !  so  much,  I  am  ashamed  to  tell  him."  And  she  tossed 
restlessly. 

Col.  Heartland  saw  how  matters  stood.  He  waited  to  see  if  she 
would  speak  again.  She  did  not.  He  kissed  her  again  tenderly, 
turned  the  lamp  low,  placed  it  on  the  hearth,  and,  closing  the  door, 
went  to  his  own  chamber  for  the  night — not  to  sleep,  but  to  muse,  to 
think,  to  spend  the  time  in  revery. 


222  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER   XXXIX. 


"  Oh!  it  is  hard  to  put  the  heart, 
Alone  and  desolate,  away. 
To  curl  the  Up  in  pride,  and  part 
With  the  kind  thoughts  of  yesterday." 

Major  Pettybone  and  Waldron,  having  had  early  tea,  retired  to  their 
rooms,  each  agreeing  that  rest  was  necessary,  physically  and  mentally. 
But,  in  reality,  both  wished  to  be  alone.  Each  had  his  own  thoughts, 
and  desired  an  uninterrupted  indulgence  of  them. 

"  It  is  too  bad,  too  bad,"  thought  Major  Pettybone,  "that  my  life 
should  be  wrecked  in  this  way.  Miss  Heartland  ought  not  to  be  any 
thing  to  me  now.  She  is  the  affianced  wife  of  Waldron.  The  scamp 
who  robbed  me  of  my  first  happiness  is  dead,  Waldron  tells  me.  A 
truce  to  his  memory.  I  should  not  have  acted  as  I  did.  She  was 
young,  totally  ignorant  of  all  man's  chicanery,  and  a  proper  course 
pursued  by  me  might  have  brought  happiness  to  her  and  myself  sub 
sequently.  But  it  is  too  late  ;  regrets  are  vain.  I  must  follow  the  life 
I  have  chosen.  I  know  it  is  not  Waldron's  fault  that  I  am  thus  situated, 
but  I  almost  hate  him.  He  did  not  supplant  me;  he  only  took  the  affec 
tion  that  I  never  went  back  to  seek.  I  allowed  the  bitterness  of  my 
heart  to  become  aroused  to  the  exclusion  of  my  better  nature.  I  knew 
not  I  cared  aught  for  her  until  I  found  another  had  won  the  prize.  It 
is  too  late,  too  late  !  But  pride  must  sustain  me  ;  I  will  go  and  see 
them  married.  I  will  devote  myself  to  the  bright,  chatty  widow,  and 
the  world  will  never  know  how  deeply  I  feel  the  blow.  I  never  saw 
her  look  so  lovely  as  she  did  to-day,  and  she  seemed  so  easy  with 
Waldron.  If  1  had  not  been  such  a  fool  as  to  shut  myself  up  here 
like  a  hermit  in  his  cell,  I  might  have  heard  something  of  this  thing 
before.  She  never  cared  for  me  ;  yet,  to-day,  I  felt  if  she  only  appre 
ciated  me  as  she  seems  to  appreciate  Waldron,  how  happy  I  could  be. 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  223 

Fortunate,  most  fortunate,  man  !  But  I  feel  dislike  for  him  knocking 
at  the  door  of  my  heart.  I  will  be  strong  and  true  to  myself,  and  just 
to  him  in  this  thing.  I  must  and  will  forget ;  pride  will  help  me." 

In  an  adjoining  chamber  Waldron  reviewed  the  day's  transactions. 
The  practiced  eye  of  the  attorney  had  left  unobserved  nothing  that 
had  passed. 

"  It  is  working  all  right,"  he  said.  "  My  strategy  will  bring  about 
more  happiness  even  than  I  thought.  Miss  Heartland  loves  Petty- 
bone.  She  tried  to  conceal  it  to-day.  I  would  have  told  her  of  my 
expected  marriage,  but  I  feared  she  would  not  play  her  part  with  me 
for  fear  others  afterward  might  think  she  was  disappointed  by  my 
marriage.  Mrs.  Hopkins  evidently  made  her  jealous,  which  jealousy 
is  the  best  cement  wounded  love  can  have ;  it  holds  things  together. 
Mrs.  Hopkins  was  innocent  of  the  part  she  was  playing.  I  intended 
telling  her,  and  asking  her  co-operation,  but  I  found  that  the  character 
she  assumed,  in  a  little  play  she  was  acting  for  her  own  benefit,  fitted  into 
my  little  drama  so  well  that  I  let  her  alone.  I  can  read  that  widow 
like  a  book.  She  was  using  every  endeavor  to  make  Col.  Heartland 
believe  that  she  was  delighted  with  Major  Pettybone.  That  was  her 
part,  but  in  playing  it  she  succeeded  in  making  Miss  Alice  believe  she 
was  really  determined  to  captivate  him.  Col.  Heartland  was  taken  in 
much  more  easily  than  I  thought  he  would  be.  He  is  evidently  inter 
ested.  It  has  had  the  desired  effect  on  all  parties,  so  far.  Pettybone 
is  nearly  crazy.  To-night  I  thought  I  would  tell  him  who  I  am 
going  to  marrv,  but  then  I  thought  one  more  night  of  anxiety  would 
benefit  him  exceedingly,  and  rejuvenate  his  feelings.  The  metamor 
phosis  is  gread,  indeed.  Yesterday  he  was  the  most  inveterate  woman- 
hater  I  ever  saw  ;  to-day  he  is  completely  changed.  He  was  sour, 
bitter  in  his  feelings,  and  careless  in  his  dress.  This  morning  he  came 
out  looking  ten  years  younger,  and  dressed  as  a  gentleman  should  be. 
Poor  fellow  !  his  heart  is  writhing  now,  and  I  know  it ;  but  it  is  better 
for  him.  Heartland,  too,  is  in  misery,  instead  of  sleeping.  Miss 
Alice  is  miserable ;  but  Mrs.  Hopkins  is  as  cheerful  as  a  woman  can 
be  whose  future  is  still  in  doubt.  Miss  Ella  and  myself  are  the  only 
happy,  really  happy,  ones,  for  love  and  trust  are  between  us,  and  we 
each  understand  the  other.  I  think,  as  matters  stand,  the  result  will 
benefit  all,  and  end  in  much  happiness.  In  fixing  up  a  '  cure-all  rem 
edy,  '  of  this  kind,  there  is  no  ingredient  so  powerful  as  a  pretty 
widow.  Put  her  in,  administer  the  medicine,  and  it  will  certainly 
cure.  She  amuses  me  exceedingly,  with  her  little  deceptive  arts.  All 
the  way  as  we  came  from  San  Francisco  she  talked  to  me  of  Major 
Pettybone,  when  I  knew  her  mind  and  heart  were  on  Heartland.  She 


224  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

would  jest  and  ask  me  about  Pettybone,  talk  charmingly  about  her 
future  prospects,  but  this  did  not  hide  from  me  her  real  feelings. 
She  has  liked  Col.  Heartland  since  the  time  she  visited  his  house  when 
she  accompanied  his  runaway  daughter  home.  She  has  vainly  sought 
an  excuse  ever  bince  to  come  again  ;  and,  knowing  her  wishes,  I  invi 
ted  her  up  on  this  occasion.  She  came  for  his  heart,  and,  if  I  am  not 
greatly  mistaken,  she  is  smart  enough  to  carry  it  back  with  her.  I 
think  she  set  him  thinking  to-day.  Seldom,  if  ever  before,  has  he 
been  exposed  to  the  fascinations  of  a  more  charming  woman ;  and  I 
sincerely  hope  he  may  yield.  It  will  be  for  his  good.  If  I  had  not 
thought  so,  I  am  too  good  and  true  a  friend  of  his  to  have  paved  the 
way  for  her.  I  knew  I  could  never  get  him  to  San  Francisco  ;  so,  the 
opportunity  offering,  I  brought  her  up  here.  We  shall  see,  we  shall 
see."  And  his  happy  thoughts  turned  on  what  more  nearly  concerned 
him.  At  last  sleep,  full  of  pleasant  dreams,,  twined  her  folds  around 
him  and  held  him  in  sweet  subjection. 

The  sun  was  high  in  the  heavens  when  Burleigh  came  to  call  him  to 
breakfast.  Major  Pettybone,  having  been  up  for  some  time,  was  just 
returning  from  a  stroll  on  the  lawn,  when  he  was  joined  by  his  friend. 

"Good  morning,"  said  the  latter,  "you  must  have  slept  well  the  early 
part  of  the  night,  to  arise  so  much  earlier  than  I,  this  morning."  He 
knew  human  nature  and  his  friend  well  enough  to  know  that  sleep  had 
not  visited  his  couch,  b  :t  he  thought  he  would  help  Major  Pettybone 
conceal  his  feelings  by  appearing  to  know  nothing  of  them. 

"I  rose  early  to  take  a  little  fresh  air,  so  that  I  might  feel  bright  and 
well  upon  your  wedding  day,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  with  a  forced 
calmness,  as  he  led  the  way  to  breakfast.  Waldron  marked  the  pale 
face  and  quivering  lip. 

"I  will  relieve  all  his  anxieties  after  breakfast,"  said  he  to  himself. 

"  After  all,  I  did  not  deceive  him.  He  took  it  for  granted  that  I  am 
to  marry  Miss  Heartland,  and  feeling  I  could  make  his  mistake  benefit 
him,  I  have  done  so.  All  will  be  right  to-day." 

As  the  day  advanced  Mr.  Pettybone  grew  more  nervous,  almost  sick 
His  sufferings  became  intense.     Waldron  saw  he  must  relieve  him  o 
the  misapprehension  under  which  he  labored.     He  did  not  intend  his 
friend  should  know  he  noticed  his  agitation,  so  when  they  sat  together 
conversing,  he  said  carelessly  : 

"Mrs.  Hopkins  will  return  with  Miss  Ella  and  myself  to  San  Fran 
cisco." 

"  Is  Miss  Ella  going  to  San  Francisco,  too?"  asked  Major  Pettybone> 
taking  more  interest. 

"  Of  course,  man  ;  do  you  suppose  I  am  going  to  leave  my  wife 
behind  when  I  go  back  to-morrow  ?" 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  225 

Major  Pettybone  looked  intently  at  him.  "  Do  I  understand  you  to 
mean  that  you  are  going  to  marry  Miss  Ella  Woodford?"  he  asked, 
hoarsely. 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  am,  to-night ;  whom  else  did  you  think  I  was  going  to 
marry  ?" 

The  reaction  was  too  much.  Major  Pettybone  rose  and  walked 
away. 

"  Thank  heaven  !"  he  ejaculated,  when  out  of  hearing.  "  This  bitter 
cup  has  passed  from  my  lips  !" 

Waldron  sat  on  the  gallery  with  his  feet  on  the  bannisters,  congratu 
lating  himself  upon  the  success  of  his  little  scheme,  and  the  happiness 
he  had  just  conferred  upon  his  friend. 

Major  Pettybone  remained  some  time  in  his  chamber,  but  came 
forth  upon  the  arrival  of  the  minister,  who  had  come  to  accompany 
them  to  the  wedding  and  perform  the  marriage  ceremony. 

Waldron  watched  the  bright  smiles  that  played  over  his  friend's 
face,  and  knew  full  well  that  joy  and  hope  had  come  home  to  his  heart 
again.  Indeed,  he  could  scarcely  await  the  coming  hour. 

"  If  I  did  not  know,  I  would  think  you  were  the  expectant  bride 
groom,"  said  the  good  natured  minister  to  his  host. 
"  Why  so  ?"  asked  the  now  happy  man. 

"  Because  you  look  so  delighted,  I  may  say,  enthusiastically  happy." 
"  He  do,  for  sure,"  said  Burleigh  to  himself.  "He  looks  like  he  did 
that  night  he  went  to  the  Villa,  to  git  what  he  didn't  got.  It'll  be  too 
bad  now  if  he  turns  round  and  goes  and  done  gits  married,  and  leaves 
me  with  the  bag  to  hold.  Wonder  what's  up  ?  Something,  for  sure. 
Dey  been  talking  a  heap  about  that  'Frisco  widder.  I  hope  he  ain't 
got  no  idea  there,  for  I'll  git  married,  sure  as  he  does.  I  likes  to  do 
like  him,  when  it  is  reasonable ;  but  if  he  marries  a  widder,  I  can't,  for 
sure.  I  will  never  marry  a  widder,  dey  knows  too  much  ;  dey  manage 
a  fellow  and  he  don't  know  it.  It  is  onreasonable  to  marry  a  widder, 
and  I  shan't  do  it,  even  if  the  Major  do.  I  believe  I'll  let  the  female 
women  alone.  I's  got  marks  on  my  back  yet  what  miner  Parker  put 
there  'bout  that  gal  of  his'n  I  didn't  git.  That  was  a  most  unjust  thing 
as  ever  was.  No  more  sich  for  me,"  and  he  went  whistling  to  the 
carriage-house. 

15 


226  TaJwe:  or  Life  in  California. 


CHAPTER   XL. 


l'I  do  not  love  much  ceremony  ; 
Suits  in   love   should   not, 
Like  suits  in  law,  be  rock'd  from  term  to  term." 

The  guests  were  assembled.  The  bride  and  groom  stood  before 
the  minister  ;  the  words:  "I  pronounce  you  man  and  wife,"  fell  from 
his  lips,  and  Miss  Ella  Woodford  was  Mrs.  Waldron.  A  moment's 
hush,  and  then  came  the  congratulations.  With  all  the  sincerity  of 
her  nature,  Alice  embraced  her  friend,  kissed  her  fondly,  then  shaking 
hands  warmly  with  Mr.  Waldron,  she  moved  away  to  make  room  for 
others  approaching:  as  she  turned  to  see  who  followed,  Major  Petty- 
bone  walked  up  to  the  happy  couple,  with  Mrs.  Hopkins  leaning  upon 
his  arm.  Alice  watched  them  with  eager  interest.  She  had  never 
seen  Major  Pettybone  look  so  handsome.  His  splendid  physique  and 
courtly  bearing,  attracted  the  attention  of  all  present,  and  his  smiling 
countenance  bore  testimony  of  his  happiness.  Mrs.  Hopkin's  black 
velvet  dress,  set  off  to  advantage  her  queenly  form.  Her  sparkling 
eyes,  scarcely  less  bright  than  the  diamonds  she  wore ;  her  glossy 
hair,  braided  becomingly,  and  waving  around  her  high,  pure  forehead, 
united  to  her  vivacious  manners,  cast  a  charm  about  her  that  was  felt 
and  acknowledged  by  all. 

The  eyes  of  the  company  followed  them,  as  they  offered  their  con 
gratulations.  Major  Pettybone  clasped  Waldron's  hand  tightly,  fer 
vently  in  his  own,  to  better  express  the  happiness  he  really  wished  his 
friend,  while  Waldron  looked  knowingly  into  his  beaming  face,  and 
shook  his  head  with  a  meaning  smile,  which  Major  Pettybone  inter 
preted  as  having  reference  to  the  beautiful  woman  at  Us  side,  and 
congratulated  himself  that  he  could  hide  his  real  feelings,  even  from 
this  keen  observer  of  human  nature.  He  laughingly  offered  to  kiss 
the  bride,  but  she  gayly  repulsed  him.  Mrs.  Hopkins  poured  forth 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  227 

her  congratulations  with  all  the  elegance  and  grace  of  an  accomplish 
ed  society  woman.  She  greeted  Ella  warmly,  affectionately,  and  turn 
ing  to  Waldron,  said : 

"You  ought  to  be,  and  are,  I  believe,  the  happiest  being  living." 
"I  hope,  'ere  long,"  he  replied,   "that  you  will  be  able  to  measure 
my  happiness  by  your  own.     You  will  then  think  that  I  am   not  the 
happiest,  but  one  of  the  happiest  of  mortals." 

"Ah !  bless  that  time,"  she  said,  with  a  tragic  air,  placing  her  hand 
upon  her  heart,  and  slyly,  cunningly,  glancing  toward  her  escort. 
But  Waldron's  quick  eye  met  hers,  and  defiantly  refused  to  rece  ive 
the  intimation  she  intended.  He  shook  his  head  slowly,  significant 
ly,  and  turned  his  eyes,  followed  by  hers,  in  the  direction  of  Colonel 
Heartland,  who  stood  at  the  further  end  of  the  drawing  room,  looking 
toward  them.  She  blushed  deeply,  and  accompanied  by  Major  Petty- 
bone,  retreated  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  room ;  thence,  through  a 
window  to  the  portico.  Something  white,  just  behind  one  of  the 
columns,  attracted  his  attention.  He  looked  closely— it  was  Alice 
Her  face  was  turned  from  them.  The  pale,  faint  rays  of  moonlight 
floated  over  her  lovely  person.  She  stood,  unconscious  that  they 
were  near,  absorbed  in  her  own  reflections.  Major  Pettybone  placed 
himself  between  Mrs.  Hopkins  and  Alice,  and  aided  by  the  column, 
completely  concealed  her  from  that  lady. 

"  When  do  you  return  to  San  Francisco  ?"  he  asked. 
"  To-morrow." 

"  Oh,  that  that  to-morrow  would  never  come!"  throwing  all  the  frenzy 
he  could  command  into  his  voice,  he  repeated  :  "  That  to-morrow  I 
hope  I  may  never  see."  He  heard  a  faint  moan  behind  him,  and  re 
flecting  upon  the  unmanly  course  he  was  pursuing,  he  said,  suddenly 
taking  her  hand,  "  Let's  go  in,  it  is  too  cool  here,  besides,  we  shall  be 
missed." 

She  observed  Col.  Heartland  as  they  reached  the  drawing-room 
door,  and  turning  her  bright  face  toward  Major  Pettybone,  she  gave 
him  her  undivided  attention,  seemingly  totally  oblivious  of  the  pres 
ence  of  others. 

"  What  a  handsome  couple,"  said  one. 
"  It  will  surely  be  a  match,"  said  another. 

"  Never,"  thought  Waldron,  as  he  saw  Col.  Heartland's  eyes  follow 
them  restlessly.  "  Never,  if  Heartland  is  true  to  himself." 

Major  Pettybone  grew  nervous  ;  his  fair  companion  was  becoming  a 
burden  to  him.  One  that  he  would  willingly  shift,  if  he  could.  "  Col. 
Heartland  he  said,"  as  he  was  passing  that  gentleman,  "Mrs.  Hopkins 
says  she  will  return  to  San  Francisco  to-morrow;  can  you  add  your 
entreaties  to  mine,  and  try  to  prevent  such  a  calamity?" 


228  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

"  If  my  poor  petition  is  worth  aught,  it  certainly  shall  be  filed,"  re 
plied  Col.  Heartland,  joining  them.  "  Major  Pettybone  you  have  mo 
nopolized  to-night,"  he  continued,  "and  I  think  I  may  now  justly 
claim  Mrs.  Hopkins'  company  for  awhile." 

"  Perhaps  that  monopoly  may  have  caused  her  to  confirm  her  decis 
ion,"  replied  Major  Pettybone,  "  and  I  will  now  leave  you,  that  you 
may  use  your  endeavors  to  induce  her  to  prolong  her  stay  among  us- 
I  have  so  signally  failed,  that  I  feel  it  will  be  worse  than  useless  to 
repeat  my  entreaties,"  and,  bowing  gallantly,  he  left  them  and  passed 
into  the  hall,  through  the  outer  door  into  the  open  air.  He  ran  his 
fingers  through  his  hair  and  paused  a  moment  to  collect  his  scattered 
thoughts ;  then  wending  his  way  around  the  house  to  the  portico, 
where  he  had  left  Alice,  he  found  her  seated  upon  the  steps,  with  her 
face  buried  in  her  hands.  She  heard  not  his  footsteps,  so  softly  he 
trod.  He  knelt,  unobserved,  beside  her  and  whispered,  "  Miss  Heart 
land." 

"  How  dare  you  intrude  ?"  she  exclaimed,  springing  to  her  feet. 

"Pardon  intrusion,  if  you  will  so  misname  it,"  he  said,  "  but  believe 
me,  it  is  a  feeling  of  deep  and  abiding  interest  that  has  brought  me  to 
your  side." 

"  How  dare  you  talk  this  way  to  me,"  rising  to  her  full  height  and 
wiping  her  tear-stained  eyes.  "  How  can  you,  when,  but  a  few  moments 
since,  you  stood  there  and  evinced  such  a  deep,  passionate  interest  in 
another  ?" 

"  Will  you  listen  to  me  ?  Will  you  believe  a  few  sincere  words  I 
have  to  say  ?  Will  you  forgive  me  when  I  tell  you  I  knew  you  were 
there,  that  you  could  hear  all  that  I  might  say,  and  that  I  said  it  for 
your  hearing ;  that  I  started  to  play  a  part  that  was  foreign  to  my 
nature ;  that  I  had  scarcely  begun  when  I  regretted  yielding  to  the 
dastardly  temptation  to  deceive  ?  I  determined  to  act  in  an  honest, 
straightforward  manner,  let  results  be  what  they  may.  For  this  pur 
pose  I  led  Mrs.  Hopkins  back  to  the  parlor,  and  have  now  sought  you 
to  make  this  explanation  and  ask  your  forgiveness  if  I  caused  you 
pain." 

"You  cause  me  pain  ?  How  dare  you  think  such  a  thing  ?  Do  you 
suppose  I  care  aught  for  you  ?  Go,  seek  Mrs.  Hopkins,  finish  your 
interrupted  conversation  with  her,  nor  seek  to  deceive  me  by  such 
prevarications.  Did  I  not  hear  your  very  voice  tremble  as  you  begged 
her  not  to  go  ?  Go  to  her ;  leave  me !  Your  self-conceit  is  only 
equaled  by  your  presumption,  Go,  I  say  !  Go  !"  and  she  pointed  to 
the  parlor. 

Thinking  it  would  be  useless  to  try  to  calm  her  or  remove  her  sus- 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  229 

picions,  he  turned  and  walked  silently  away.  Just  before  entering  the 
parlor  he  heard  a  whisper  :  "Major  Pettybone  !"  He  looked.  Alice 
was  behind  him ;  she  retreated,  he  followed ;  she  sat  down  upon  the 
steps ;  he  knelt  beside  her ;  both  for  a  time  were  silent.  At  length 
she  said : 

"Here  is  your  ring,  take  it,  and  now  give  it  to  Mrs.  Hopkins." 

He  took  it,  rose  mechanically  and  started.  Again  he  reached  the 
door.  A  voice  said  ; 

"  Come  back  !     Please  come  back  !" 

He  obeyed  ;  again  they  were  on  the  steps. 

"What  are  you  going  to  do  with  that  ring?"  she  asked,  at  length. 

"You  told  me  to  give  it  to  Mrs.  Hopkins,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Well,  why  did  you  not  do  it  ?" 

"  Except  to  obey  you,  I  do  not  care  to  do  it." 

"  What  are  you  going  to  do  with  it,  then  ?" 

"  Give  it  to  Mrs.  Hopkins,  I  suppose,  and  obey  orders." 

"  No  you  are  not ;  it  is  mine,  and  you  shall  not." 

"  Then  will  you  allow  me  to  do  with  it  what  pleases  me  best,"  he 
said,  softly. 

She  said  nothing ;  he  took  the  small,  unresisting  white  hand  in  his, 
slipped  the  ring  upon  the  finger,  then  raising  it  to  his  lips,  gently  held 
it  there  a  moment. 

"Major  Pettybone,"  she  said,  "you  won't  think  I  care  anything 
about  you,  will  you  ?" 

"  Not  unless  it  is  your  wish." 

"  And  you  won't  love  Mrs.  Hopkins,"  she  said,  weeping. 

"  No,  I  will  not,"  and  clasping  her  to  his  heart  he  told  her  how  fer 
vently  he  loved  her  ;  how  he  had  suffered  for  her  sake  ;  how  he  wished 
to  forget  and  forgive  the  past,  and  asked  her  to  be  his  wife. 

She  replied,  by  clinging  more  closely  to  his  heart,  and  their  tears  of 
joy  mingled  together.  But  an  hour  had  passed,  and  it  was  time  for 
them  to  return  to  the  drawingroom.  She  bade  him  retrace  his  steps 
around  the  house,  while  she  entered  alone.  Waldron  came  to  meet 
her,  and  reading  all  that  had  happened,  in  her  contented  though  swollen 
face,  he  congratulated  himself  upon  his  successful  strategy.  He  led 
her  to  Ella's  side,  and  they  were  conversing  gayly  about  their  future 
in  San  Francisco,  when  Major  Pettybone  entered  at  an  opposite  door. 
He  walked  carelessly  up  to  them  and  said  :  "  Ladies,  I  am  glad  we 
meet  again." 

"Yes,"  said  Waldron,  mischievously,  "if  two  persons  start  from 
the  same  point  in  opposite  directions  and  go  around  the  world,  they 
are  apt  to  meet  again."  One  glance  sufficed  to  convince  Major  Petty- 
bone  of  his  friend's  meaning,  and  he  changed  the  subject. 


230  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

Most  of  the  company  had  departed,  ere  Alice  was  aware,  and  now 
it  was  full  time  they  should  go.  But  Col.  Heartland  ?  Where  was  he 
all  this  time  ? 

"  Mr.  Waldron,  will  you  find  my  father,  and  tell  him  it  is  time  to 
go  ?"  requested  Alice. 

"Col.  Heartland,  Miss  Alice  wishes  to  see  you,  I  am  sorry  I  had  to 
interrupt  your  tete-a-tete"  he  apologized,  as  he  found  his  friend  and 
Mrs.  Hopkins  conversing  in  the  bay-window  of  the  front  parlor. 

"  No  interruption  at  all ;"  said  the  lady,  coming  forth  and  looking-  a 
little  embarrassed,  as  she  found  most  of  the  guests  had  departed. 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it,"  whispered  the  lawyer  ;  "  that  is,  I  am  glad 
there  was  no  interruption,  until  matters  were  arranged." 

A  deep  blush  suffused  her  cheeks,  and  she  shook  her  head  in  a 
knowing  manner.  Col.  Heartland  was  some  distance  from  them,  but 
Waldron  felt  that  matters  had  taken  a  serious  turn,  and  said  no  more. 
He  contented  himself  with  thinking  of  the  happiness  he  had  succeeded 
in  securing  to  all  parties,  and  of  his  own  bright  future.  Alice  bade  all 
an  affectionate  good  bye.  Col.  Heartland,  gayly  bantered  the  bride  for 
jilting  him  in  so  cruel  a  manner,  and  saying  good  night  to  all,  entered 
his  carriage,  much  surprised  to  find  Major  Pettybone  already  seated 
therein.  They  drove  to  the  Villa.  Major  Pettybone's  carriage  fol 
lowed,  and  seeing  Alice  safely  home,  he  bade  her  farewell,  and  reached 
Pettybone  Hall  at  day-break. 


TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California.  231 


CHAPTER    XLI. 


"Time,  at  length,   sets  all  things  even." 

Alice  slept  but  little.  Her  agitation  had  been  too  great ;  her  happi 
ness  too  full  for  her  delicate,  nervous  organization.  She  planned  and 
replanned  the  best  method  of  informing  her  father  of  her  renewed 
engagement — and  met  him  in  the  morning  with  a  confiding  smile  and 
loving  kiss.  A  faint  expression  of  pain  passed  over  his  troubled  feat 
ures,  but  faded  away  as  he  thought  of  his  own  happiness.  Both  had 
been  too  much  engaged  with  their  own  feelings,  to  realize  the  great 
change  that  must  necessarily  follow  if  they  carried  their  proposed 
plans  into  effect.  Up  to  this  time  no  thought  had  been  given  to  do 
mestic  ties.  None  to  social  relations,  by  either  party.  No  blessing, 
but  it  must  have  its  accompanying  pain.  And  now  came  the  strug 
gle — the  great  conflict  in  the  hearts  of  both.  How  were  they  to  break 
their  heart  secrets  to  each  other  ?  How  to  make  the  acknowledge 
ment  that  love  had  crept  between  them,  and,  though  still  dear,  they 
must  occupy  a  secondary  place  in  each  other's  hearts.  Oh  !  that  feel 
ing  of  being  first  in  the  hearts  of  those  we  love !  Who  hath  not  felt 
it  ?  Secure  in  the  affections  of  those  who  are  allied  to  us  by  the  ties 
of  kindred ;  resisting  all  other  usurpations,  we  tread  the  flowery  path 
of  life  ;  we  gather  the  bright  blossoms,  and  inhale  their  fragrance,  nor 
give  a  thought  to  coming  changes.  Then  love  thrusts  his  shining  face 
between  the  maiden  and  her  much  cherished  father.  Little  by  little 
he  spreads  his  wings,  and  finally  sways  his  golden  sceptre.  The 
trembling  heart  throbs,  flutters  and  yields.  The  sire's  arms  are 
around  his  child,  her  face  is  buried  in  his  bosom.  His  mighty  heart 
shakes  his  manly  frame,  but  she  knows  not  the  cause  of  his  great 
agitation.  She  knows  not  that  he,  too,  has  a  secret  to  impart.  One 


232  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

that  he  fears  will  be  most  painful  to  this  child,  whose  life  has  been  so 
nearly  his  own. 

"Father !"  It  came  low — scarcely  audible.  He  drew  her  more 
closely  to  him,  and  asked : 

"What  is  it  that  troubles  my  child  ?" 

"Father,  Major  Pettybone  has  asked  me  to " 

"What  was  my  daughter's  reply  ?" 

"I  consented,  provided  you " 

"My  blessings  rest  upon  you,  my  child  ;"  and  he  gave  a  sigh  of  re 
lief.  Printing  a  kiss  of  joy  upon  her  forehead,  he  pressed  her  once 
more,  passionately,  to  his  heart. 

"But,  father,  you'll  remain  with  me  always  ?"  she  said.  "This  need 
not  separate  us.  The  love  I  feel  for  you  is  as  great,  of  its  kind  as 
that  I  give  him — of  its  kind.  Deep  and  lasting  both  shall  be,  and  it 
shall  be  the  pleasure  and  business  of  my  life  to  render  you  two 
happy." 

Colonel  Heartland  stood  silent  for  a  moment.  The  obstacle  that 
had  given  him  so  much  anxiety  was  now  removed,  and  he  felt,  that  at 
last,  he  might  speak.  He  knew  that  Alice  felt  more  than  ordinary  in 
terest  in  Major  Pettybone.  That  gentleman's  indifference  and  per 
sistent  reserve  had  mortified  him  and  chilled  the  warm  feelings  of 
friendship  he  had  always  cherished  for  him.  His  attentions  to  Mrs. 
Hopkins  had  annoyed  him,  both  on  his  own  and  his  daughter's  ac 
count  ;  and  now,  that  he  could  see  the  whole  matter  in  so  clear  a 
light,  the  burden  was  lifted  from  his  soul,  and  he  spoke : 

"  Your  happiness  shall  be  yours,  my  child.  The  care  of  your  father 
will  not,  in  future,  devolve  upon  you.  It  costs  him  no  pain  to  yield 
his  treasure  to  the  keeping  of  one  so  noble  and  so  true.  As  you  say, 
each  love  will  be  as  great  of  its  kind,  for  I,  too,  am  to  be  married." 

Alice  struggled  from  his  arms  and,  looking  him  steadily  in  the  face, 
wondered  if  she  had  misunderstood  him.  He  approached  her  again, 
took  both  her  hands  in  his,  "  Does  my  daughter  object  to  my  wed 
ding  Mrs.  Hopkins?" 

The  convulsed  heart  for  a  moment  checked  her  utterance',  and  try 
ing  to  crush  out  selfishness,  she  replied,  throwing  her  arms  around  his 
neck: 

"  No,  no,  dear  father,  if  it  will  make  you  happy." 

"  It  will ;  happier  than  I  ever  expected  to  be  again  in  this  life." 

They  looked  up  and  Major  Pettybone  was  entering  the  door,  shown 
in  by  Griffin.  He  shook  the  hands  of  each,  and  still  clasping  Alice's, 
he  led  her  to  the  sofa,  followed  by  Col.  Heartland, 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  233 

"  My  blessings  on  you  both,  my  children,  and  to  your  care,  my  noble 
and  tried  friend,  I  commit  my  greatest  earthly  treasure." 

"  The  trust  shall  be  a  most  sacred  one,"  said  Major  Pettybone, 
rising. 

"  And  now,"  continued  Col.  Heartland,  "  I  wish  to  communicate  to 
you,  what  I  have  just  told  my  daughter :  Mrs.  Hopkins  has  promised 

to  be  my  wife,  and  in  two  weeks  we  will  be  married  in church  in 

San  Francisco." 

"This  is  news  indeed,"  said  Major  Pettybone,  ''  but  while  I  am  not 
surprised,  I  scarcely  expected  so  early  a  consummation.  You  have 
my  prayers  for  your  future  welfare." 

"  Thank  you,"  and  Col.  Heartland  left  them  for  a  walk  in  the  morn 
ing  air,  to  indulge  in  reverie  and  to  enjoy,  in  secret,  happy  thoughts  of 
his  future  prospects.  A  slight  rustling  sound  in  the  back  parlors,  and 
Alice  saw  Bertina's  dress  flit  past  the  half  open  door. 

"  It  makes  but  little  difference  now,  dearest,"  said  Major  Pettybone, 
who  had  also  seen  it.  "  That  reminds  me  of  Miss  Hubblestubble."  A 
deep  flush  spread  over  Alice's  face,  and  seeing  that  he  had  unwittingly 
trod  upon  the  ashes  of  the  past,  he  quickly  changed  the  subject  and 
settled  himself  for  a  cosy  talk. 

Bertina  called  Griffin  and  pulling  him  after  her  to  the  garden,  said  : 

"  What  do  you  think  ;  what  do  you  think?  oh,  Lordy  mighty  !  Miss 
Alice  and  her  pa  is  both  gwine  to  marry ;  oh,  Lordy  !" 

"  Well,"  replied  Griffin,  "  you's  married  to  me,  and  it  aint  sich  a  ter 
rible  misfortin.  De  bes  ting  is  to  fine  out  what  is  gwine  to  be  done 
wid  us.  How  you  know  dese  affairs,  my  lub  ?" 

"  Jist  as  I  was  gwine  to  get  de  duster  out  ob  de  parlor,  where  I  lef 
it,  I  see  Miss  Alice  and  Col.  Heartland  mighty  'cited  like  ;  I  stopped 
and  listen.  I  heard  her  tell  her  pa  dat  de  Major  had  popped  de  question 
and  dat  she  war  willin,  so  she  was  ;  oh,  Lordy  !" 

"  Well,"  said  the  husband,  "  she  am  jest  gwine  to  take  her  same  ole 
chance." 

"  I'd  hab  too  much  pride  to  hab  him,  I  know,  arter  he  is  been  cut 
ting  up  as  he  has,  if  I  was  Miss  Alice.  But  eberybody  to  dey  own 
noshun.  Den  de  Colonel  is  been  snapped  up  by  dat  widder.  If  I  was 
a  man,  I  would  not  hab  a  'oman  who  would  come  sarching  me  up  like 
dat  'oman  did  Massa  Heartland.  It  wasn't  decent,  it  wasn't.  I  shan't 
lib  wid  her.  I'll  go  back  to  Virginny  fust." 

"  How  is  Massa  Heartland  gwine  to  get  married,  den,  if  no  'oman 
didn't  look  him  up.  He  wasn't  gwine  to  look  dem  up,  I  can  tell  you. 
Seems  to  me  you's  got  less  sense  dan  any  'oman  of  your  sabililities  I 


234  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

eber  did  see.  Don't  you  know  if  a  man  doesn'  look  a  'oman  up,  she 
will  look  him  up,  shore  ?  If  she  sees  he  do  not  want  her,  she  is  shore 
to  want  him.  It  am  always  de  case,  bofe  white  and  black.  Jest  mem 
ber  yeself,  and  judge  oders  by  yeself,  'cordin'  to  de  golden  rule.  You 
know  you  tuck  on  mighty  'bout  me,  and  it  was  a  long  time  'fore  dis 
nigger  could  'predate  you,  and  "- 

But  the  sentence  was  unfinished.  The  retreating,  moralizing  Grif 
fin  had  not  bargained  for  the  blow  he  received  from  a  pea  stick  that 
his  wife  wielded  in  a  masterly  manner.  His  speed  increased  as  he 
neared  the  house.  Springing  upon  the  kitchen  steps  with  the  velocity 
of  a  spent  cannon  ball,  he  encountered  Wee  Wing,  who  was  just  coming 
out  with  a  pan  of  milk.  The  collision  was  instantaneous.  Wee  Wing 
and  his  pan  were  thrown  back  upon  the  floor  with  a  force  that  rever 
berated  through  the  house.  Alice  and  her  father,  alarmed  by  the 
noise,  came  hurriedly  out  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  all  the  din.  Grif 
fin  stood  bleeding  from  his  nose,  the  effect  of  his  encounter  with  poor 
Wee  Wing,  whose  prostrate  form  writhed  upon  the  floor,  while  Ber- 
tina  stood  over  him  with  a  stick  threatening  to  "  beat  de  life  out  ob  be 
yaller  heathen  for  tryin'  to  run  ober  Griffin,  and  spillin'  all  de  white 
folks'  milk.  I  won't  stan'  it,  I  won't  lib  in  de  house  wid  him  no  longer. 
I  won't  Miss  Alice  ;  no  use  talkin'.  He  blowed  me  up,  de  yaller  snipe  ; 
now  he's'  most  killed  Griffin.  I  has  no  peace  ob  my  life.  I  cannot 
even  set  in  de  kitchen  widout  he  blows  me  up,  de  pisen  rascal."  And 
she  made  a  rush  at  the  unresisting  Chinaman,  which  made  him  quail, 
and  turn  appealingly  to  Col.  Heartland. 

"Bertina,  I  want  no  more  of  this,"  said  Col.  Heartland,  decidedly. 
Please  leave  this  kitchen  instantly.  Griffin,  go  about  your  duties." 

They  obeyed  sullenly,  and  the  Chinaman  slowly  arose  and  painfully 
resumed  his  work. 

"  We  must  separate  these  servants,"  said  Col  Heartland,  when  they 
returned  to  the  library.  I  will  take  Wee  Wing  to  San  Francisco,  and 
the  other  two  shall  remain  here  with  you." 

"  Then,  father,  you  intend  making  your  home  in  San  Francisco  ?  " 

"  Yes,  it  is  her  wish  that  we  shall  live  there.  It  is  my  intention  to 
give  the  '  Villa '  to  you,  my  daughter,  because  it  was  your  mother's, 
and  I  wish  you  to  reside  here.  Remember  to  keep  the  light  in  the 
tower  burning  as  she  left  it.  It  is  your  future  home.  I  must  leave 
it.  The  associations  here  are  too  sad.  I  would  lead  another  life  in 
this  new  found  love.  I  will  make  her  happy,  and  in  doing  so  will  be 
happy  myself.  Repinings  are  useless.  The  past  should  be  forgotten, 
or  only  remembered  as  a  painless  dream.  Will  you  go  with  me  to 
San  Francisco  ?  It  will  be  a  great  comfort  to  have  you  do  so." 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  235 

"  Major  Pettybone  and  myself  have  concluded  that  it  will  be  best  for 
us  to  marry  at  the  same  time  that  you  do,  in  the  church  in  the  city, 
and  return  quietly  home  immediately.  He  cares  not  for  wedding  dis 
plays,  and  you  know  how  I  abhor  them.  So,  if  you  do  not  object, 
dear  father,  to  a  double  wedding,  we  will  go  down  to  the  city  with 
you." 

"  By  all  means,  my  child.  We  will  leave  Thursday  week.  Until 
then,  be  happy ;  and  may  God  extend  that  happiness  through  all 
coming  years." 


236  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California, 


CHAPTER  XLII. 


"  All  who  joy  would  win 
Must  share  it — happiness  was  born  a  twin." 

The  long  looked  for  and  long  wished  for  evening  came  at  last,  and 
San  Francisco's  most  beautiful  church  was  the  scene  of  the  two  happy 
marriages.  Crowds  of  friends  thronged  the  building  to  witness  the 
event,  and  among  the  first  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Waldron.  Mrs.  Hop 
kins  walked  to  the  altar  with  a  proud  and  queenly  air,  for  she  felt 
that  hers  was  a  blessed  lot.  Col.  Heartland  appreciated  the  handsome 
woman  who  was  to  bear  his  honored  name.  Happiness  beamed  from 
his  face,  and  years  seemed  to  take  a  backward  track.  The  path  of  his 
future  life  was  garlanded  with  flowers  and  evergreens,  and  not  a  care 
to  dampen  or  cloud  the  peace  of  mind  that  now  possessed  him  could 
be  discovered. 

Major  Pettybone's  youth  had  returned,  and  as  he  led  his  bride  for 
ward,  every  one  felt  that  beauty  and  manliness  were  matched. 

They  are  in  their  respective  homes.  The  Villa  wears  a  cheerful 
aspect,  and  Bertina  sings  her  songs  unmolested  in  the  kitchen,  for 
Wee  Wing  is  in  San  Francisco  with  his  new  mistress.  Pettybone 
Hall  is  left  to  the  care  of  the  faithful  Burleigh,  who  vows  to  bring  to 
its  shades  a  fair  young  partner  so  soon  as  he  finds  one  he  dare  risk. 
A  happier  man  than  Col.  Heartland  could  scarce  be  found.  The  en 
chantress'  wand  has  passed  over  his  life,  and  he  rejoices,  and  will  con 
tinue  to  rejoice,  that  he  at  last  asked  some  one 

"  To  water  a  heart  whose  early  flowers  had  died, 
And  with  a  fresher  growth  replenish  all  the  void." 


Takoe:  or  Life  in  California.  237 


CHAPTER  XLIII 


TAHOE. 

"  With  'Tahoe'  our  story  began, 
With  'Tahoe'  let  it  end." 

Tahoe  is  an  Indian  name,  meaning  "Big  Water." 

Three-fourths  of  this  remarkable  lake  lies  within  the  limits  of  the 
Golden  State,  while  Nevada  holds  within  her  silver  grasp  its  eastern 
shores.  It  is  said  that  in  former  years  the  ice  broke,  crushed  and  piled 
mountain  high  on  its  bosom.  Not  so  now ;  its  crystal  waters  do  not 
freeze.  The  elevation  is  a  mile  and  a  quarter,  and  it  depths  have  been 
sounded  to  three  thousand  feet.  At  times,  even  during  the  summer, 
the  water  is  of  an  icy  coldness,  and  so  clear  that  fish  can  be  seen  eighty- 
five  feet  below  the  surface. 

The  eastern  approach  is  through  Carson  Valley,  sodded  with  grasses 
and  clover,  then  turning  west,  up  Clear  Creek  Canon,  the  road  winds 
in  sight  of  Job's  Peaks  and  Silver  Mountain,  appearing  near,  though 
more  than  twenty  miles  away.  Their  caps  are  covered  perpetually 
with  snow.  The  well  trained  horses,  ascending  the  steep  grades,  walk 
without  fear  beside  the  great  flume  which  extends  from  the  lake  to 
Carson  City,  bearing  upon  its  mad,  rushing  waters,  ton  after  ton  of 
timber,  for  fuel,  mining  and  building  purposes.  Along  the  canon  are 
ponderous  rocks,  some  low,  broad  and  flat ;  others  tall,  arrow-like, 
piercing  rhe  sky  to  great  heights,  all  weather-stained,  cold  and  grey. 
On  one  side  are  the  Sweet-water,  Pine  Nut  and  Walker  mountains  in 
the  distance,  on  the  other  the  grand  Sierras  lift  their  time-honored 
heads  boldly  towards  the  sun.  Nearing  the  summit  the  grade  is  steeper 
still,  and  the  view  more  contracted,  till  the  brow  is  reached,  and  Tahoe, 
n  all  its  beauty  and  grandeur,  lies  spread  before  us,  an  inland  sea  of 


238  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

emerald  and  blue,  resting  like  a  gem  in  a  setting  of  pine-clad  hills 
and  jutting  rocks. 

At  Glen  Brook,  the  traveler  pauses  for  rest  and  refreshment,  at  a 
little  home-like  hotel,  inhaling  air  so  light  and  pure  that  the  gladdened 
lungs  take  new  life,  and  the  tired  system  feels  that  it  is  bliss  to 
breathe. 

A  point  which  awakens  more  than  ordinary  interest  is  Shakespear's 
rock,  rising  in  bold  prominence  and  giant  proportions,  as  we  come  in 
sight  of  it.  The  old  poet's  profile  is  distinctly  and  accurately  marked 
upon  its  perpendicular  surface,  high  in  mid-air.  Grand  and  lasting,  a 
more  fitting  monument  scarcely  could  have  been  chosen  to  perpetuate 
the  memory  of  one  whose  genius  towered  so  far  above  that  of  his  fellows. 
It  is  said  to  be  nature's  handiwork.  Doubtless  it  was  her  upheaval  in 
former  days  that  cast  the  mighty  rock  above  its  surroundings,  and 
fastened  it  firmly  where  it  stands.  It  bears  her  impress  on  its  irregular 
curves,  rude  outline  and  sublime  proportions.  But  the  head  and  face 
of  Shakespeare — could  they  have  been  the  work  of  chance  ?  Though 
high  above  the  reach  of  the  hand  of  man,  could  nature  have  drawn  a 
likeness  which  is  so  readily  recognized  by  all  who  have  looked  upon 
the  picture  and  portrait  of  the  master  genius  ? 

Cave  Rock,  precipitous,  and  four  hundred  feet  high,  is  wonderful  to 
look  upon.  A  hundred  feet  from  its  base  the  cavern  opens,  like  a 
great  window  in  the  side  of  a  mighty  dome.  The  opening  is  thirty- 
four  feet  in  length  and  presents  some  more  of  nature's  strange  ma 
sonry.  A  little  farther  south  is  Zephyr  Cove,  gray  and  weather-beaten, 
yet  strangely  picturesque  and  attractive,  as  the  abiding  spirits  of  the 
place  murmur  fn  soft,  soughing  breezes  through  their  familiar  haunts. 

Along  the  old  Placerville  road  are  many  farms  and  ranches,  gardens 
of  vegetables,  fields  of  grain  and  grassy  meadows.  This  road  is  a 
most  delightful  drive.  It  was  constructed  at  great  expense,  having  at 
this  point,  it  is  said,  cost  forty  thousand  dollars  a  mile.  South  is  the 
Friday  Ranch,  well  known  in  anti-railroad  days  as  a  resting  place  for 
the  gold-seekers  on  their  way  to  Wash-hoe. 

In  the  same  locality,  is  the  Lake  House,  an  old  resort,  with  a  post- 
office  and  some  stores  near  by.  In  the  distance  is  seen  Lake  Valley, 
level,  with  its  noble  pines,  pastures  and  grazing  stock.  To  the  west 
of  the  valley  is  Yanks,  a  farm  hotel,  situated  upon  a  natural  carpet  of 
green,  surrounded  by  the  quivering  mountain  aspen,  the  sighing  pine 
and  the  waving  tamaracks.  Near,  the  sloping  beach  from  Teliae  Point 
is  covered  with  bright  pebbles,  and  the  lake  mirrors  back  its  beautiful 
shores. 

Teliae  Mountain  is  reached  by  way  of  Fallen  Leaf  Lake  and  a  steep 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  239 

canon.  This  lovely  sheet  of  crystal  water,  so  like  a  polished  glass,  is 
one  and  a  half  miles  wide,  and  more  than  double  that  distance  long. 
To  a  lover  of  nature,  unmixed  with  art — to  one  who  would  commune 
with  self  and  lift  the  heart  from  nature  to  nature's  God,  the  place  must 
prove  more  than  ordinarily  attractive.  Such  will  ever  hunger  for  the 
solitude  and  charming  surroundings  of  the  green  and  blue  lakelet.  At 
its  head  are  the  Soda  Springs,  which  will  become  a  great  resort  so 
soon  as  their  medicinal  qualities  shall  have  become  generally  known. 

From  the  oblong,  flat  summit  of  Teliae  Mountain,  is  one  of  the 
finest  views  in  North  America.  Over  the  lake  and  all  its  grandeur, 
over  the  mountains  far  to  the  east,  the  hills  and  vales  of  Nevada  are  in 
sight.  Canon  Valley  is  spread  out  in  full  view,  with  its  verdure  and 
life,  nor  do  the  intervening  peaks  shut  out  the  more  distant  scenes. 
Beyond  their  grey  and  White  heads  the  vision  extends,  and  the  eye 
lingers  long  upon  the  pleasing  sight.  Turning  to  the  west,  the  icy 
crags  of  the  Sierras  cleave  the  purple  skies — and  far  beyond  them,  the 
mighty  Coast  Range  lift  their  awful  heads,  as  if  in  a  fit  of  jealousy, 
to  hem  from  greedy  mortal's  sight,  the  magnificent  dominion  of  the 
Sun  as  he  sinks  to  rest  in  the  ocean's  bosom.  Their  rifts,  grey  preci 
pices  and  dreadful  hanging  crags,  frown  as  they  cast  their  lengthening 
shadow  towards  the  east.  Between  and  below  lie  the  wide  valleys 
of  Central  California,  spreading  towards  the  south,  rich  with  their 
fields  of  golden  grain,  waving  as  a  great  sea,  while  the  soft  winds  play 
over  them.  Then  the  lakelets,  Sierran  gems,  sparkling  from  their 
mountain  settings.  Thirty-five  can  be  seen  from  Teliae  Mountain, 
some  in  the  rose-colored  clouds,  some  in  more  sheltered  nooks,  and 
some  amid  shelving  rocks  and  green  trees  nearer  the  valleys.  When 
beneath  the  sun's  glancing  rays,  like  the  lofty  lochs  of  Scottish  moun 
tains,  they  become  too  bright,  too  dazzling  for  the  human  eye,  like  the 
mirror  in^the  mischievous  school-boy's  hand,  they  dart  the  blinding 
rays  to  the  eye,  forcing  it  to  turn  aside.  Then  in  softer  light  they  lie, 
filled  with  vivid  reflections  of  mountain,  tree  and  tinted  clouds  of  the 
sky.  Some  are  atmospheric  in  clearness,  showing  the  silver  sands 
that  line  their  basins.  All  brilliant  and  beautiful  as  a  fairy  dream. 

Near  Yanks,  around  the  Peaks  at  the  foot  of  Emerald  Bay,  is  a  quiet 
valley  in  which  lies  imbedded  Cascade  Lake,  too  fairy-like  for  descrip 
tion.  Like  Terni  Cascade  beneath  Italian  skies,  its  delicate  thread- 
ings  can  only  be  drawn  into  fancy's  woof  by  imagination,  or,  perhaps, 
woven  into  existence  in  the  cob-web  tissue  of  a  dream,  whose  waking 
breath  must  be  light,  indeed,  lest  it  break  the  texture  and  scatter  the 
vision. 

On  the  little  steamer  we  glide  into  Emerald  Bay,  through  a  narrow 


240  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

strait,  so  shallow  that  the  rippling  waters  dance  and  foam.  Before  us 
is  Eagle's  Point,  so  named  because  for  many  years  it  was  the  eyrie  of 
the  bird  which  is  the  chosen  emblem  of  our  country.  As  we  float  into 
the  deepening  bay,  a  little  island  comes  in  sight,  gray  granite  giving  it 
a  tomb-like  appearance,  as  its  head  rises  above  the  deep,  green  water. 
Near  a  few  shrub-like  trees,  a  lonely  cross  marks  the  spot  which  was 
selected  by  a  noble  sailor  as  his  last  resting  place.  But,  alas,  for  human 
expectation  !  it  is  said  his  flesh  became  the  food  of  fishes  in  distant 
seas.  But  all  was  not  lost,  for  the  name  of  Captain  Dick  will  be  remem 
bered  by  those  who  look  upon  his  chosen  resting  place,  even  though 
fate  decreed  that  his  wishes  should  not  be  carried  out.  The  music  of 
the  waters  will  long  float  upon  the  mountain  breezes,  burdened  with 
the  story  of  his  disappointed  hopes,  and  the  wild  bird  will  sing  his 
requiem  to  coming  generations.  It  would  be  sweet  to  sleep  the  last 
sleep  where  so  much  beauty  abounds,  where  nature  is  another  name 
for  peace. 

Opposite  this  little  island,  on  the  north  side  of  the  bay,  is  a  bare 
mountain  side,  from  which  were  swept  the  pines,  and  other  foliage,  by 
an  avalanche.  It,  too,  might  well  be  the  tomb  of  one  departed,  for  its 
earthly  beauties  have  passed  away,  leaving  cold,  grey  stone,  pointing 
heavenward  like  a  mighty  monument  of  the  dead.  In  many  places 
around  the  bay  the  rocks  are  precipitous,  over  and  through  which 
little  streams  are  flowing,  forming  cascades  and  sparkling  cataracts- 
In  a  grove  of.  willows,  with  a  mountain  stream  playing  in  three 
water-falls,  feeding  a  translucent  fountain  before  the  door,  is  the 
summer  residence  of  the  owner  of  Emerald  Bay.  "  Far  from  the 
madding  crowd's  ignoble  strife,"  overshadowed  by  the  beauty 
and  sublimity  of  nature,  it  is  a  fit  spot  for  contemplation.  Low, 
sweet  music,  as  from  Apollo's  lute,  touched  by  an  unseen  hand; 
is  borne  over  the  dimpling  waters,  and  mingles  with  the  moan  of'sighing 
pines,  like  Eolian  strains  in  Andalusian  air.  The  busy  world  and  its 
myriads  of  cares  may  be  forgotten,  as  the  heart  is  led  to  the  threshold 
of  a  new  and  delicious  existence ;  as  mortal  leaves  his  "mortal  coil" 
and  enters  the  fairy  land,  himself  a  fay ;  as  the  mind,  forgetting  itself 
in  its  surroundings,  fills  the  warp  of  fancy  with  silken  weavings  as 
soft  and  alluring  as  the  legends  of  Zend  Avesta. 

Farther  north  are  Rubicon  Bay  and  Point,  then  Sugar  Pine  Point, 
at  once  gloomy  and  bright,  shedding  grandeur  far  and  wide.     Follow 
ing  comes  McKinney's,  a  delightful  summer  resort,  with  its  many 
cottages  and  places  of  rest  for  the  wearied  denizens  of  the  city.     The 
ir  is  refreshly  cool  during  the  warmest  seasons.     The  road  to  Tahoe 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in   California.  241 

city  affords  a  most  diverting  drive  for  those  who  enjoy  riding  in  the 
invigorating  mountain  air — and  who  does  not  ? 

At  Blackvvood's  creek,  some  giant  rocks  rear  their  heads  two  hun 
dred  and  sixty  feet  in  the  clouds,  and  stand  in  firm,  adamantine  pride, 
despite  winds  and  waters.  In  the  background  the  mountains  and 
trees  lend  grandeur  to  the  scene,  while  at  their  base  the  pines  tower 
more  than  two  hundred  feet.  Moving  on,  we  approach  Tahoe  City, 
where  Truckee  river  rolls  its  gurgling  stream  from  Tahoe's  rock-bound 
side,  its  only  outlet.  The  town  is  small,  its  hotels  are  airy  and  well 
kept,  and  the  situation  of  the  place,  being  the  nearest  accessible  point 
to  the  railroad,  commands  for  it  a  large  share  of  summer  patronage. 
From  the  Grand  Central  Hotel  there  is  a  fine  view  of  the  lake  and 
other  points  of  interest.  Row  and  sail  boats,  pleasure  carriages  and 
buggies,  add  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  traveler.  The  scenes  along 
the  road  to  Truckee,  down  the  canon  of  that  laughing  river,  now 
wending  its  way,  echoing,  through  narrow  defiles,  now  spreading  out 
in  glass-like  sheets,  flowing  over  little  precipices  and  falling  in  foam 
ing  cascades,  dashing  in  broken  crystals  onward,  present  a  panorama 
so  pleasing  that  it  cannot  be  forgotten.  The  silver  stream  below,  the 
towering  forest  pines  above,  the  fresh  green  earth,  the  climbing  vines, 
the  fantastic  rocks,  the  warbling  of  the  birds,  the  rippling  of  the  water, 
all  combine  to  weave  a  mystic  spell,  a  waking  dream,  a  bright  reality. 
Such  are  the  recollections  of  a  drive  down  Truckee  Canon,  and  to 
them  will  memory  cling  for  coming  years. 

From  Tahoe  City,  two  miles  distant,  is  Burton,  called  by  some 
".Island  Farm,"  where  the  enraptured  tourist  may  linger  still  to  enjoy 
Tahoe's  charms,  mid  grassy  meadows  and  on  pebbly  beaches.  It  is 
here  that  the  tired  and  wornout  minister  of  God  often  seeks  a  summer 
rest,  to  recuperate  his  failing  health  and  strengthen  his  over-strained 
nervous  system.  The  invigorating  mountain  air  is  a  fine  tonic  for  an 
over- worked  brain,  and  soothing  to  the  over-taxed  nerves.  The  place 
is  also  known  as  the  Clergyman's  Resort.  This  class  of  men  see 
beauty  in  all  God's  creation,  and  no  other,  perhaps,  is  so  keenly  ap 
preciative  of  the  influence  for  good  wrought  by  quiet  surroundings, 
or  of  the  noble  sentiments  inspired  by  what  is  lofty  and  grand  in 
nature. 

Carnelian  Bay,  of  mingled  green  and  blue,  seeming  so  like  "  spotted 
water,"  is  an  arm  of  the  great  lake.  Along  its  shores,  among  the 
pebbles  and  sands,  is  found  the  hard,  smooth  carnelian  stone,  from 
which  the  bay  takes  its  name. 

On  Boundary  Point,  where  the  States  of  California  and  Nevada 
join,  on  the  lake  shore,  are  the  Hot  Springs,  whose  fiercely  boiling 
1C 


242  Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California. 

water  issues  forth  in  many  places.  It  is  said  the  heat  is  sufficiently 
great  to  cook  an  egg  in  five  minutes.  Unlike  the  Hot  Springs  in  Car 
son  Valley,  near  that  city,  a  few  miles  distant,  the  waters  from  these 
springs  do  not  become  good  chicken  broth  with  the  addition  of  a 
little  pepper  and  salt. 

The  trees  around  Lake  Tahoe  constitute  one  of  its  important  fea 
tures.     They  are  of  many  kinds,  some  of  which  are  very  useful  as 
well  as  attractive  in  appearance.     The  dark  green  or  black  pine  is  of 
great  height,  and  much  valued   for  its  lumber.     Its  cones  are  nearly 
two  feet  in  length.     The  yellow  pine  is  much  smaller  in  stature,  with  a 
most  singular  bark.     The  white  fir  is  of  graceful,  waving  foliage,  but 
is  not  sought  for  purposes  of  utility.     The  red  fir  is  much  in  demand, 
as  being  exceedingly  durable,  and  suitable  for  many  purposes.     These, 
and  many  more  handsome  trees,  lend  variety  to  the  charming  view  of 
the  Lake,  and  encircle  Tahoe  with  an  emerald  rim.     But  to  enjoy  Tahoe 
to  the  fullest  extent,  to  revel  amid  her  various  beauties,  and  look  at 
once  upon  her  grandeur,  we  must  float  out  upon  her  still  transparent 
bosom,  in  a  little  boat,  and  give  the  mind  time  for  its  feastings     When 
day-light  breaks  over  the  lake,  and  night,  "  like  a  fragment  of  inky 
thunder-smoke,  wind-wandering,"  floats  slowly  from  the  universe,  giv 
ing  place  to  the  coming  twilight,  a  solemn  silence  reigns  over  the  dim, 
grayish,  blackish  surroundings,  and  the  still,  slate-like  water — a  mo 
ment,  and  twilight  spreads  her  hazy  mantle  over   hill,  vale,  mountain 
and  lake,  till  the  eastern  sky  begins  to  lighten,  blueing  the  vault  above 
and  gilding  the  clouds  with  red  and  gold  ;  then  she  takes  refuge  be 
hind  tree  and   cliff,   dodging,  like  children  playing  "hide  and  seek." 
The  ascending  sun  is  in  the  sky  and  his  searching  beams  reach  far 
and  wide,  dissipating  twilight's  woven  exhalations,  casting  his  arrow- 
like  rays  through  trees  and  shrubs  in  coves  and  nooks,  and  far  beneath 
through  their  transparent  Covering,   into  the  chambers  of  the  waters, 
grandly  illuminating  them.     The  scintillations  tremble,  twinkle  and  fas 
ten  upon  the  spangled  granite  shelvings  of  the  purple  walls  and  peaks 
like  lamps,  bathing  the  whole  great  basin  in  prismatic  hues.     Deeper 
the  lambent  rays  course  on  their  way  through  watery  cave  and  grot 
untrammelled  by  an  element  as  pure   as  that  which   bathed  Euro- 
pa's  feet.     The  brightness  from  below  becomes  intense,  seen  as  through 
a  golden  sieve.     The  rays  below  play  a  thousand  weird  pranks,  shift 
ing,  circling  ,and  darting  like  meteors  through  the  openings,  around 
the   bowlders,  and  among  the  pointed  rocks  of  the  deep.     The  fishes 
try  in  vain  to  hide  their  sparkling  scales,  as,  darting  here  and  there,  a 
network  of  light  is  thrown  around  them  from  which  there  is  no  escape. 
Its  shining  meshes   entwine    them   wherever  they  move.     Our  little 


Tahoe:  or  Life  in  California.  243 

boat,  with  its  occupants,  hangs  as  it  were  in  mid  air,  and  the  dazzled 
eyes  can  scarcely  tell  whence  come  the  igneous  rays,  from  above  or 
below.  As  the  sun  reaches  a  greater  altitude  and  the  boat  moves  to 
deeper  water,  the  fiery  arrows  are  lost  in  the  measureless  cerulean 
depths  below,  while 

"Thoughts  on  thoughts  in  countless  throng. 
Rush,  chasing  countless  thoughts  along." 

The  sun  has  passed  the  zenith  of  his  glory,  and  is  sinking  towards 
his  western  home,  where  he  will  bathe  his  burning  face  in  old  ocean's 
blue  waters.  A  spell-like  quiet  reigns  in  earth  and  air,  suddenly  bro 
ken  by  distant,  growling  thunder.  The  clouds  move  in  masses,  dark 
and  white,  athwart  the  heavens,  gilded  with  a  thousand  tints  of  silver 
and  gold,  and  mounted  upon  each  other  like  funeral  pyres,  moving  still 
onward,  like  a  great  armada,  or  a  gathering  flotilla,  propelled  by  sails 
of  red,  deep  orange,  and  vermillion.  They  anchor  aloft  for  awhile, 
then  changing  to  opal,  pearl,  and  darker  hues,  they  move  steadily  to 
wards  the  port  of  the  sun.  The  great  azure  roof  changes  to  a  black 
ened  concave,  in  which  the  sun  hangs  like  a  rayless  orb  of  fire.  The 
mingling  mass  moves  between  and  the  deafening  thunder  shakes  the 
darkened  sphere.  The  vivid  lightnings  flash,  the  distant  winds  begin 
to  moan,  while  the  "  water-wraith  is  shrieking.  "  The  storm-whipped 
lake  madly  lashes  the  shores,  and  the  meeting  billows  rise,  foaming 
high  in  the  air.  The  sheeted  flashes  tremble  upon  the  ploughed  up 
waters  and  quiver,  blindingly,  through  the  shoreless  air.  The  serpent 
lightning's  winding  track  opens  great  fissures  in  the  heavens,  which 
are  seared  over  again,  and  the  crashing  roar  shakes  the  darkness  furi 
ously.  The  earth  groans  and  crackles  beneath  the  tread  of  winds  and 
water,  till  the  Storm-king,  like  Arion  on  the  dolphin's  back,  rides, 
singing  far  away  to  his  mountain  home. 

But  the  loveliest  scene  of  all,  is  Tahoe  by  moonlight,  with  the  del 
icately  tinted  clouds  moving  overhead,  like  many  a  proud  pavilion  in 
that  "  soft,  mellow  light  which  heaven  to  gaudy  day  denies."  Above, 
a  throne  overlaid  with  star-light,  wrapped  about  with  a  golden  dra 
pery  ;  below,  a  translucent  floor,  beneath  which  the  reflected  stars 
sparkle  and  twinkle  like  a  distant  ignis  fatuus  dwindling  to  the  tiny 
fire-fly's  glow  ;  or  in  long  rows  like  the  street  lamps  of  a  great  city,  as 
seen  at  night  from  the  pilot's  stand  on  an  approaching  vessel.  Above 
in  the  skies  again  appear  the  crested  heads  of  imaginary  cities,  and 
proud,  genii-roofed  temples  and  many  a  "vapor-belted"  pyramid  ;  be 
low  the  bright  spirits  of  the  waters,  the  fairies,  charioteering  the  silver- 
side  and  trout  through  labyrinths  dyed  in  moon-beams,  through 
scenes  where  some  beauteous  "Undine  had  dropped  her  glistening 


244  TaJioe:   or  Life  in  Lalifornia, 

tear."     Then  cloudward  again,  and  a  mighty  tower  moves  like  Sudd- 
kedana's  sixth    fear — 

"High  o'er  the  city,  till  its  ststely  head 

Shone,  crowned  with  clouds,  and  on  the  top  the  prince 

Stood,  scattering  from  both  hands,  this  way  and  that, 

Gems  of  most  lovely  light,  as  if  it  rained 

Jacynths  and  rubies  ;  and  the  whole  world  came 

Striving  to  seize  those  treasures  as  they  fell 

Toward  the  four  quarters." 

At  the  tower's  base  a  golden  stream,  like  Pactolus  river  after  Midas' 
bath, flows,  and  on  through  Lydian  scenes  the  mind  wanders,  creating  a 
thousand  images  of  the  clouds.  Mt.  Tmolus  stands  by  Sardis'  wall, 
and  the  tall  citadel  caps  its  top,  while  Hyraades  storms  the  ramparts, 
and  despite  the  charmed,  lion-like  son  of  Males,  the  fortress  crumbles 
ajid  the  parting  'masses  mold  into  conch-shell  temples,  where  the 
Guebre  kneels  in  Persian  climes.  Then  from  out  the  distant  western 
sky  comes  a  wonderful,  dark,  moving  Mausoleum,  such  as  Caria's 
queen  built  in  memory  of  the  king  she  loved  and  lost,  which  veering 
round  in  the  moon-lit  vault,  becomes  a  vast  amphitheater  filled  with 
bu^y  life.  Above  the  horizon  a  mighty  head  appears,  followed  by  a 
huge  form  taking  a  brazen  hue.  It  floats  into  full  view,  its  great  feet 
resting  upon  island  clouds,  a  veritable  Colossus  of  Rhodes.  Kis  giant 
proportions  dismembering,  become  pillars  of  a  Temple  of  the  Sun  with 
all  its  gilded  decorations.  The  heavy  columns  rest  upon  the  graceful 
Caryates,  who  slowly  move,  and  sever  the  great  cloud-fabric,  from  the 
materials  of  which  the  restless  mind,  wandering  in  cloud-land,  forms 
new  and  varied  objects,  regardless  of  the  flying  hours. 

The  little  boat  floats  in  the  shadow  of  a  rocky  peak,  and  far  be 
neath  the  silver  waters  the  reflection  of  the  bright  moon  appears  like 
the  great  Alexandrian  Pharos,  leading  the  attention  back  to  the  watery 
depths.  The  shallop  moves  as  gently  as  if  the  air  the  burden  bore  ; 
half  reclining,  in  a  state  of  perfect  rest,  we  gaze  into  the  moon-lit 
water,  while  fancy  indulges  in  ten  thousand  vagaries,  unheeding 
the  flight  of  time.  One  by  one,  each  shining  star  takes  its  place  in 
the  blue,  crystal  vault  below ;  of  every  hue  they  seem,  from  deep, 
fiery  red,  to  pale  yellow  and  silver  white.  They  reel  and  dance,  and 
guide  the  tenor  of  the  thoughts,  until  thinking  becomes  a  luxury 
Thinking  at  any  time  or  place  is  a  privilege,  but  thinking  here,  is  an 
ecstacy.  These  spirits  of  earth,  air  and  water  are  on  the  alert  to  cheat 
old  Father  Time  of  all  his  burdens.  A  net  of  magic  is  woven  and 
thrown  over  the  memory  of  all  the  ills  of  life ;  thus  we  might  muse 
on  forever  ;  thus  the  mind  might  wander  in  carelessness,  through  de 
lightful  and  ever  varying  fields  ;  thus  might  it  linger  in  the  realms  of 
reflection,  whose  gentle  queen  sways  her  scepter  forbidding  the  intru 
sion  of  aught  unpleasant.  But  mountain  music  breaks  over  the  water 


TaJioe:  or  Life  in  California.  245 

and  claims  a  listening  ear.  Low  at  first,  like  the  hum  of  a  sweet 
voice  in  the  distance — then  a  silvery  .ringing,  like  a  chime  of 
tiny  bells,  floats  over  the  water ;  nearer,  birdlike  notes  become  more 
distinct,  accompanied  by  the  fine,  soft  melody  of  a  flute,  delicately 
handled,  mingling  with  a  violin's  strain  in  perfect  harmony.  A 
moment  it  ceases,  then,  as  if  some  skillful  hand  had  touched  a  lute, 
so  low,  so  sweet  the  sounds.  Another  pause,  and  the  rising  wind 
sweeps  over  a  wild  Eolean  harp,  sometimes  softer,  sometimes  louder, 
as  the  currents  of  air  move  slowly  or  swiftly  around  the  mountains. 
Circling  in  caves  and  whistling  through  defiles,  and  sweeping  the  sur 
face  of  the  water,  the  air  currents  produce  the  mountain  music,  while 
the  imaginative  attribute  it  to  the  "bands  of  bright  shapes  with 
heavenly  eyes  and  lips,"  with  which  they  people  the  "silver  islands  of 
the  sapphire  sea." 

But  our  little  bark  has  floated  to  its  moorings,  and  we  bid  a  long 
farewell  to  Tahoe,  though  we  will  often  turn  the  leaves  of  memory 
back  and  look  within  their  folded  pages. 


202 


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